JSF - Hidden problems of stealth

Published: Fri Apr 21st, 2006
Source: www.janes.com



While there is no Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) export 'variant' as such, it is apparent from a review of open sources that it would be practical to deliver JSFs in different configurations with different signatures to match national operational requirements documents, protecting US and UK aircraft from any compromise of their own low-observable (LO) systems.

Stealth is not like the mythical ring of invisibility in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings: it is not a single feature that confers invisibility. It is a blend of things on the aircraft that are obviously technologies that are generic and quite widely used and understood; components which are unique and exotic; and some features that are not visible on the aircraft at all but are nevertheless crucial to making the LO system work.

Building less-stealthy JSFs for export has been considered. One source close to the JSF programme has said that the US Department of Defense's theatre commanders-in-chief have advocated a single JSF configuration, because multiple levels of LO would complicate joint operations.
» Read the full article...

TAGS:

• stealth

Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009

» Older news articles