Materials help fight the shape of the chameleon

Chinese researchers have made a stealth material that can work on multiple radar frequencies, leaving the fight almost vanishing before the eyes.

Materials help the plane morphs like the hoe

Discovery News reports that scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China have published a detailed study of chameleon-like stealth materials, capable of self-tuning to absorb radar signals. at different frequencies.

Named AFSS or " Active Surface Frequency Selection" , this material can be used to cover the combat shell, making it invisible to aircraft detection devices.

The F-22 can operate without being detected by ultra-high-frequency radar systems, but is easily defeated by equipment that operates at lower frequencies. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

According to a report released today by Ars Technica, the current stealth technology can only be applied to radar at ultra-high frequencies. Stealth fighter jets are particularly susceptible to detection by operating systems at extremely high frequencies.

The AFSS material can adjust itself to accommodate and absorb longer wavelengths, making it easy to transform in flight. Technology integrates many different systems, using miniature dipole tubes, which act as resistors to electromagnetic radiation.

When combined with other technologies such as geometric design for radar detection, the AFSS could become the next big step in the development of stealth fighter.

The material is ultra-thin with a thickness of only 7.8mm when covered with metal and other surfaces. It consists of two layers, a honeycomb-type third layer separator that separates the material from the underlying surface. When tested, the AFSS technology can absorb radio frequencies from 0.7 to 1.9 GHz, radar reflectivity decreases from 10 to 40 dB.

"Along with the continued development of radar detectors, our thin wavelength-sensitive materials will become very useful," the researchers concluded.