Збирач потоків

Stealth technology, also known as low observable technology, is a collection of advanced techniques designed to reduce the visibility of military vehicles, aircraft, ships, and missiles to enemy detection systems. These systems include radar, infrared sensors, sonar, and electromagnetic surveillance tools. The primary objective of stealth technology is to increase the survivability of military assets by making them harder to detect, track, and target.

The concept of stealth technology is not new, but it has evolved significantly with advancements in material science, aerodynamics, and electronic warfare. Early efforts in stealth technology focused on reducing the radar cross-section (RCS) of aircraft through unique shaping techniques. Over time, innovations in radar-absorbing materials (RAM), infrared suppression systems, and acoustic noise reduction have led to highly sophisticated stealth platforms. Today, stealth technology is a crucial element in modern warfare, providing a significant strategic advantage in aerial, naval, and ground operations.

Types of Stealth Technology

Stealth technology can be classified into several types based on the method used to reduce detectability. Each type focuses on minimizing a specific form of detection, ensuring that military assets remain hidden from enemy sensors.

Radar Stealth (Low Radar Cross Section – RCS)

Radar stealth technology primarily aims to minimize the amount of radar waves reflected back to enemy detection systems. The radar cross-section (RCS) of an object is a measure of how much radar energy it reflects, and stealth technology works by reducing this reflection. One of the key techniques used in radar stealth is designing aircraft and naval vessels with faceted surfaces or smooth curves that scatter incoming radar waves rather than reflecting them directly back to the source.

Additionally, specialized radar-absorbing materials (RAM) are used to coat stealth vehicles. These materials absorb a significant portion of the radar energy, converting it into heat rather than allowing it to be reflected. Aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit bomber use a combination of these techniques to achieve low radar detectability.

Infrared (IR) Stealth

Infrared stealth focuses on reducing an object’s heat signature to avoid detection by thermal imaging systems. Military aircraft, ships, and land vehicles generate significant heat due to engine operations, friction with the air, and exhaust emissions. Advanced stealth technology incorporates several techniques to minimize this infrared signature.

One method involves using heat-dissipating exhaust systems that spread the hot gases over a larger area, thereby lowering their temperature before they escape into the atmosphere. Additionally, stealth aircraft often use low-emissivity materials on their surfaces to prevent excessive heat buildup. These techniques make it harder for enemy infrared sensors to detect and lock onto stealth platforms, increasing their survivability in combat zones.

Acoustic Stealth

Acoustic stealth technology is essential for submarines and naval vessels, where sound waves are used to detect objects underwater. Noise generated by propellers, engines, and onboard systems can be detected by sonar, making it crucial to minimize acoustic emissions.

To achieve acoustic stealth, submarines and stealth ships use quiet propulsion systems that reduce cavitation—the formation of air bubbles around propeller blades that create noise. Additionally, sound-absorbing materials are used to coat the hulls of submarines, dampening vibrations and reducing noise transmission. These techniques allow stealth submarines, such as the Virginia-class and Scorpène-class, to operate undetected in enemy waters.

Visual Stealth

Visual stealth technology aims to reduce the visibility of military assets using advanced camouflage techniques. Traditional methods involve painting vehicles with camouflage patterns that help them blend into their surroundings. However, modern stealth technology has taken this a step further with the development of electrochromic materials and adaptive coatings that can change colour based on environmental conditions.

Some experimental visual stealth systems use metamaterials and active cloaking technologies that manipulate light waves, making an object appear nearly invisible to the naked eye. While full optical invisibility remains a challenge, ongoing research continues to push the boundaries of visual stealth.

Electromagnetic Stealth

In addition to reducing radar and infrared signatures, stealth technology also minimizes electromagnetic emissions from military platforms. Electronic devices, including communication and navigation systems, emit detectable signals that can be intercepted by enemy intelligence operations. To prevent detection, stealth aircraft, and naval vessels use electromagnetic shielding to contain these emissions.

Moreover, emission control (EMCON) procedures are employed to limit unnecessary electronic transmissions, reducing the risk of detection by enemy surveillance systems. By managing their electromagnetic footprint, stealth platforms can operate more securely in hostile environments.

How Does Stealth Technology Work?

Stealth technology works by integrating multiple techniques to reduce the chances of detection across various sensory domains. One of the most important aspects is the reduction of radar cross-section (RCS), which is achieved through specialized aircraft shaping and radar-absorbing coatings. By ensuring that radar waves are either absorbed or deflected away from enemy sensors, stealth aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II can remain undetected for longer durations.

Infrared suppression techniques help control heat emissions, making it difficult for heat-seeking missiles to lock onto stealth assets. Noise reduction strategies ensure that submarines and naval vessels can move through water without alerting enemy sonar systems. Additionally, electromagnetic stealth reduces radio frequency emissions, preventing enemy forces from pinpointing the location of stealth aircraft, ships, or drones.

Applications of Stealth Technology

Stealth technology has a wide range of applications in modern military operations.

Stealth Aircraft

Stealth aircraft play a crucial role in modern aerial warfare by conducting deep penetration strikes, surveillance missions, and air superiority operations. Notable examples include the F-22 Raptor, a highly maneuverable stealth fighter designed for air dominance, and the B-2 Spirit, a stealth bomber capable of delivering nuclear and conventional payloads with minimal risk of detection.

Stealth Naval Vessels

Naval stealth technology enhances the survivability of warships by reducing their radar and acoustic signatures. The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is an advanced destroyer with a stealthy design that minimizes its radar cross-section. Similarly, the Type 055 destroyer, developed by China, incorporates stealth shaping to improve operational effectiveness in naval engagements.

Stealth Submarines

Submarines rely heavily on stealth to avoid detection while patrolling enemy waters. The Virginia-class submarines used by the U.S. Navy feature anechoic coatings and quiet propulsion systems that make them nearly undetectable by sonar. The Scorpène-class submarines, developed by France, are also known for their stealth capabilities and operational flexibility.

Stealth Missiles and Drones

Stealth technology is increasingly being integrated into unmanned systems and precision-guided missiles. The BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile is designed to have a low radar cross-section, allowing it to evade enemy air defenses. Similarly, the RQ-170 Sentinel is a stealth reconnaissance drone used for intelligence-gathering missions.

Advantages of Stealth Technology

Stealth technology provides several advantages in military operations. By reducing an asset’s detectability, it enhances survivability, allowing forces to carry out missions with lower risk. Stealth platforms also improve operational effectiveness by enabling surprise attacks and reconnaissance missions without alerting enemy defenses. Additionally, stealth technology provides a strategic advantage by forcing adversaries to invest in more advanced detection and countermeasure systems.

Conclusion

Stealth technology has revolutionized modern warfare by enabling military forces to operate with greater security and effectiveness. From radar-absorbing materials to infrared suppression and electromagnetic shielding, stealth innovations continue to evolve, shaping the future of aerial, naval, and ground combat. As research advances, stealth technology may find applications beyond the military, influencing commercial aviation and security technologies in the coming decades.

The post Stealth Technology: Definition, Types, Working & Applications appeared first on ELE Times.

BluGlass Ltd of Silverwater, Australia has established an Industry Advisory Board led by professor Steven DenBaars and Dr Richard Craig to accelerate its technical roadmap and commercial advancement of its gallium nitride (GaN) laser portfolio for the global quantum, defence and biotech markets...

submitted by /u/0nunu0 [link] [comments]

The UK’s University of Cambridge and University of Southampton have been named as participants in the PIXEurope consortium, a collaboration between research organizations from across Europe that is developing and manufacturing prototypes of their products based on photonic chips...

Aeluma Inc of Goleta, CA, USA — which develops compound semiconductor materials on large-diameter substrates — is showcasing its latest advances in AI-driven photonics, quantum computing, and advanced sensing solutions at SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing 2025 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida (13–17 April)...

At the IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference & Exposition (APEC 2025) in the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA, USA (16–20 March), fabless company Wise-integration of Hyeres, France — which was spun off from CEA-Leti in 2020 and designs and develops digital-control of gallium nitride (GaN) and GaN integrated circuits for power conversion — is unveiling its latest WiseGan and WiseWare advances, featuring two technical presentations and demonstration boards, including a new 1.5kW totem-pole power factor correction (PFC) module designed specifically for server and industrial applications...

Keysight Technologies Inc of Santa Rosa, CA, USA has enhanced its double-pulse test portfolio, enabling customers to benefit from accurate and easy measurement of the dynamic characteristics of wide-bandgap (WBG) power semiconductor bare chips. The technologies implemented in the measurement fixture minimize parasitics and do not require soldering to the bare chip. The fixtures are compatible with both versions of Keysight’s double-pulse testers...

submitted by /u/_RoseDagger [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/AutoModerator
[link] [comments]

submitted by /u/Dry_Sport6031 [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/antek_g_animations [link] [comments]

Market research firm TrendForce reports that global smartphone production grew 9.2% quarter-to-quarter to 334.5 million units in fourth-quarter 2024, driven by Apple’s peak production season and consumer subsidies from local Chinese governments. While Apple expanded production with the launch of new models, Samsung faced production declines due to intensified competition in emerging markets...

Gallium nitride (GaN) power IC and silicon carbide (SiC) technology firm Navitas Semiconductor Corp of Torrance, CA, USA has announced the first production-released 650V bi-directional GaNFast ICs and high-speed isolated gate-drivers, creating a paradigm shift in power with single-stage BDS converters, which enables the transition from two-stage to single-stage topologies. Targeted applications range widely and opens up multi-billion dollar market opportunities across electric vehicle (EV) charging (on-board chargers (OBC) and roadside), solar inverters, energy storage and motor drives...

Many industrial applications are transitioning to higher power levels with minimized power losses, which can be achieved by increasing the DC link voltage. Infineon Technologies AG of Munich, Germany is hence addressing this market trend with the CoolSiC Schottky diode 2000V G5 product family, which are claimed to be the first discrete silicon carbide diodes with a breakdown voltage of 2000V, introduced in September 2024...

As network demands grow more complex, Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) is to showcase interoperability breakthroughs with live demonstrations and expert discussions at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference & Exposition (OFC 2025) in San Francisco, CA, USA (1–3 April)...

Зустріч представників КПІ ім. Ігоря Сікорського з Нобелевськими лауреатами kpi пт, 03/14/2025 - 11:07

the frequency of this garage door remote. Thanks! submitted by /u/Zealous_Zeus1996 [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/Griffygriffin [link] [comments]

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) have come a long way over the years. Electronics design engineers must stay aware of the latest developments to understand how they might soon incorporate them into their work.

For instance, as more products require PCBs and the demand continues rising, so have concerns about reducing e-waste. Fortunately, promising ideas have recently emerged, showing the exciting possibilities.

Biodegradable substrates

Some people take inspiration from nature when figuring out how to reduce waste. That was the case for a university team that uses leaves’ natural structure to create biodegradable substrates that could change PCB designs.

Conventional PCB substrates contain glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin. They are typically not recyclable, making people eager to find a more sustainable solution. These researchers discovered it through quasi-fractal lignocellulose structures, which act as scaffolds for leaves’ living cells. The group realized they could also bind solution-processable polymers. Tests showed this alternative can tolerate soldered circuitry manufacturing and supports innovative thin-film devices.

Additionally, once the PCB substrate is no longer usable, users can sustainably dispose it by allowing it to break down in soil or processing the component in biogas plants to recover some of its precious metals for reuse.

In another effort to tackle e-waste, researchers developed a PCB that people can recycle several times with virtually no material loss. Their experiment showed it performed as well as those made from traditional materials.

The group developed a solvent that turns a class of sustainable polymers into a jelly-like substance without harming the solid components left behind. Users can then pick them out for recycling. This approach allows them to recover 98% of the polymers, 91% of the recycling solvent, and all the glass fiber.

Moving ahead with flexible PCBs

Electronics designers and others are also interested in moving away from rigid PCBs and prioritizing flexible ones when possible. This improvement enables better application versatility and helps users produce smaller, more complex devices.

Next, mechanical engineers have developed a pioneering way to create the circuits necessary for electronic connections inside devices from wearable health trackers to robots. Those working on this project believe progress with soft circuits could revolutionize how engineers use and create electronic devices. Additionally, currently available flexible PCBs require few or no wires, reducing connection failures.

This team created a production process that uses liquid-metal microdroplets to make a stair-like structure when adding vias and planar interconnects. The method allows them to enable electrical connections across layers without physically drilling into the material, as previous options required.

Experiments suggested engineers could use the microdroplet application technique on several materials or build multiple layers to suit individual device specifications. This method is also efficient; researchers were able to make several vias in less than a minute. In one case, they made a dual-layer soft circuit with nine LEDs on the top and nine connected sensors on the bottom. This component had 21 liquid-metal connectors and was only as thick as a sheet of paper.

PCBs will continue evolving

These are some of the many examples of engineers’ ongoing efforts to make PCBs more aligned with today’s devices and the industry’s priorities. Electronics design engineers should remain aware of these innovations and continually explore how they might implement these possibilities into future projects.

Ellie Gabel is a freelance writer as well as an associate editor at Revolutionized.

 

 

Related Content

• PCB design basics
• PCB Design Considerations and Tools
• Tool makes high-end PCB design affordable
• Trends and Challenges in PCB Manufacturing
• The history and evolution of printed circuit board (PCB) designs

The post The evolution of PCBs and the demands of modern electronics appeared first on EDN.