Stealth technology, or “low observable” technology, is a critical innovation in modern warfare. Its purpose is to make an aircraft, ship, or other vessel “invisible” to detect, track, or target. This is achieved through a combination of design innovations and specialized materials. The application of stealth technology to naval vessels and ground vehicles is still evolving; these applications are not as advanced or widespread as those in aviation. Currently, stealth technology is primarily and most effectively utilized by aircraft, where its benefits are most apparent.
Early Concepts and Development
After World War II, instigated by aircraft losses, designers began finding ways to mitigate the impact of radar-directed warfare. Early jet-age materials could absorb radar energy but were heavy and unsuitable for structural applications.
As warfare technology advanced, bombers and fighters became more vulnerable to radars. After the 1970s, materials such as carbon-fiber composites and higher-strength plastics were introduced, making radar signature reduction for combat aircraft possible. Other design innovations were also introduced, such as avoiding right angles, sharp curves, and large surfaces in the aircraft. Fuel and ordnance were carried internally, and engine intakes and exhausts were flush or low to the ground. Early stealth aircraft also relied on inertial guidance or non-emitting navigation systems to avoid radar interference and detection.
The Stealth Program of 1980
Innovations in stealth had been underway for several years before they were introduced to the public, such as the development of the F-117 Nighthawk, which was tested in 1977, or the B-2 Spirit, which was already under contract. Stealth Programs were first officially announced by the U.S. government in 1980. This technology was introduced as a method of entering deeper into enemy airspace without being detected or intercepted, giving us a major advantage in military capabilities.
Although the first operational stealth aircraft, the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk (1983) and the Northrop B-2 Spirit (1989), were significant innovations at the time, they had several defective elements. Earlier modifications to make the aircraft stealthy, such as not having typical engines, prevented them from flying supersonic. Additionally, early stealth aircraft were aerodynamically unstable, and the radar-absorbent coating their stealth relied on had to be applied after each mission, which was time-consuming and expensive.
Adapting Stealth: From Air to Sea and Ground
The F-117 stealth aircraft inspired technological innovations for other military vessels. The first U.S. Navy stealth naval vessel prototype, The Sea Shadow, was never brought to life due to several failed tests and never became operational.
In the 2000s, the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) emerged and was finally commissioned in 2016. As the world’s largest and most technologically advanced surface combatant, the Zumwalt can perform a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control missions. USS Zumwalt maintains stealth using advanced radar-absorbing materials and an angular hull design that minimizes radar cross-section.
Although stealth technology has been applied to some experimental and concept vehicles, a fully operational “stealth” tank has not yet been put into official production. Though advancements have been made involving radar-absorbing materials, thermal camouflage, and noise reduction, there are significant challenges to achieving true stealth for tanks due to their size, heat emissions, and noise. However, technology continues to evolve; in 2024, Rolls-Royce debuted a new concept, a hybrid stealth engine specifically for armored military vehicles. While it’s still in the early stages, more advanced forms of stealth vehicles are on the horizon.
Evolution and Modern Stealth Aircraft
With the introduction of the F-22 Raptor in the 1990s, more advanced stealth models addressed some of the functionality issues of earlier designs. This second-generation stealth aircraft allowed for “supercruise” ability, which, unlike the previous generations, allowed for supersonic flight. Additionally, this model featured advanced avionics and maneuverability. The fifth-generation model, released in 1997, defined the U.S.’s dominance of stealth technology until around 2010, when China and Russia began testing stealth models.
In 2024, the F-22 is still widely considered the most sophisticated fighter in the world. After nearly 30 years of front-line service, it has undergone several upgrades but has challenges. Over the next four years, the Air Force expects to spend $5 billion annually on developing a model that improves the F-22’s stealth and sensor capabilities and doubles its range.
Cevians NVIS Technology
As stealth technology evolves, every aspect of a military operation must contribute to invisibility. With Cevians’ NVIS-compatible technology, personnel can operate effectively in low-light conditions without compromising their aircraft’s or other vessels’ stealth characteristics. NVIS complements the stealth features of modern military vehicles and aircraft, allowing them to remain undetected during nighttime operations.
