The Possibility of Stealth Aircraft Without Special Materials and Equipment

Think of an invisible aircraft as something an enemy cannot detect until it is too late. This does not mean the aircraft is truly invisible in the sense as a child might imagine, like Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. Instead, it is about making the aircraft difficult to detect using radar and other counter-measure devices. Up to the end of the 1980s, this was achieved by flying very fast and low, often hiding in the terrain to avoid detection.

Traditional Stealth Tactics

The Swedish method, which I am familiar with, involved following a chain of preset waypoints at extremely low altitudes, as low as 30–40 feet above the ground. These aircraft would fly at Mach 0.8 in complete radio silence and radar switched off. They would pop up once or twice to get a fix on their target and then swoop in for the attack. The strike package, typically consisting of four aircraft, could appear out of nowhere, deliver a deadly hammer blow, and then disappear. This strategy was a constant training ground for military pilots. However, today, modern radars can easily pick up aircraft even at low altitudes, making these tactics less effective.

Modern Stealth Aircraft

When it comes to modern stealth aircraft, the Russians claim that their SU-57 is almost invisible. But in reality, the question of making an aircraft invisible is not as straightforward as it may seem.

Is It Possible to Make an Object Invisible?

The answer is yes, but it requires futuristic technology. Stealth technology, as we know it today, is far from being futuristic; active camouflage technology is more advanced in this regard. The reason for this is that aircraft typically operate at altitudes where they are not easily visible, and modern air combat happens at vast distances beyond visual range (BVR). Therefore, investing billions of dollars to create a system that uses a lot of energy without any apparent advantages might not be the wisest decision.

Military Advantages of Stealth Technology

The main advantage of stealth technology lies in its ability to avoid detection and to achieve surprise. This has significant strategic value in military operations. For instance, during a strike mission, a stealth aircraft can approach its target undetected, strike with precision, and then immediately disengage, reducing the risk of retaliation. This is particularly important in the current era of advanced radar and other detection technologies.

Conclusion

In theory, it is possible to make an aircraft almost invisible, but it requires advanced technology and significant resources. Modern stealth aircraft, like the SU-57, use advanced materials and designs to minimize their radar signature, but these techniques come with their own challenges. The key to success in modern air combat is not just about invisibility but also about agility, electronic warfare, and superior technology. While the idea of an invisibility cloak might seem appealing, the practical reality of stealth technology shows that it is a complex and evolving field.