Originally Posted by
Radix
It just becomes blatantly clear how incredibly important the stealth aspect is going to be in a conflict. Without it it's as dead as ...
With an RCS of a metal golf ball it's still invisible ... until Moore's law catches up.
No aircraft is “invisible”. An aircraft with a lower RCS will be harder to detect at various frequencies. How much harder depends on the aircraft's signature reduction techniques, frequency, and the detecting radar capabilities. In the case of the F-35 that frequency range is mostly at the higher frequencies used by ground and airborne fire-control systems. At the lower frequencies of the surveillance radars the F-35 will be relatively easy to detect.
And as with most aircraft, the F-35’s detection range by threat IRST systems will not be diminished much.
Low signature elements of an aircraft make it more survivable but definitely NOT invisible. Also, I hope the high frequency (X band) F-35 signature is lower than “a metal golf
ball”!
ps CM your post is right on!