In the animal kingdom there are many examples of Stealth Technology, from the blending with the background colour changing chameleon to the stick and leaf like insects, not forgetting the silent flight of owls due to their special feathers. Stealth means being undetected. Now, detection in the natural world is mainly visual or acoustic, although some species (i.e. sharks) are known to use electrolocation to detect their pray. However, for man-made structures, detection also comprises Infrared and Radar frequencies. Therefore, Stealth Technology addresses all these observables: visual, acoustic, infrared (heat), and radar.

Camouflage has been used extensively to disguise targets, and make them harder to see as they blend with its background. Noise reduction materials and mufflers are used to reduce the output noise of vehicles, so as not to be heard. Also special materials and designs are used in order to reduce the heat output of a structure so it cannot be seen in the infrared spectrum. All these Stealth Technologies are relatively short distance detection, while Radar reaches far distances.

Radar Stealth Technology aim is simple: avoid being detected by the radar. This is achieved by not reflecting back towards the radar its emitted energy, either by deflecting the incoming waves (Special Geometry of Shapes) or using Radar Absorbing Materials that do not reflect (or reflect a lot less) the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radar, but mainly, and most efficiently by combining both.

The most famous stealthy structures are US Air Force’s aircrafts, the B2 bomber and the F177. They have proven the worthiness of Stealth Technology, as they can operate being undetected and only around 2 casualties per 1000 operations have been reported. Nowadays, also Navy Ships are being built with Stealth Technology.

Micromag delivers a Radar Absorbent Material, that can be easily applied on all the structure (on the form of coatings: radar absorbent coatings), or embedded in the construction process of certain structures (as integrated masts), or even on the overall structure of fibbers glass ships, radomes or even drones. Thanks to its light weight and easiness of application, it is the only solution that can be applied in the retrofit market, as a coating, for adding Stealth Technology capabilities to existing ships.

Micromag’s technology entails a better Radar Absorption performance and lower RCS, as all the structure can be treated, while it is complementary to the geometry of shapes design technique, addressing the unavoidable “hot spots”.