JSF - Hidden problems of stealth

Posted on: Apr. 21st, 2006 || Source: janes.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

JSF - Hidden problems of stealth

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.

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