Forum: General F-22A Raptor forum

I had read somewhere that the initial stealth capabilities of the B-2's (or it may have been the F-117s) were a bit overrated as a report released later on revealed that moisture that developes on the outside of the aircraft signifigantly raises the RCS of the aircraft. Now, this isnt "too huge" a deal since in our recent operating areas (the dry deserts of the Middle East) you wont find too much air moisture on an an aircraft, I wouldn't think... And the F-22 is 'All weather'? Right?

But under the conditions of rain or high air moisture, are their any steps to be taken to hide this fault? Or is the F-22 simply immune to it? (Have the developed away to prevent the moisture droplets from clinging on to the paint) Im really curious cause only in ideal wars do you always get to fight in the best weather! But I also realise any topics involving RCS or Stealth technology are highly sensitive, so if you feel its too much just answer me with silence Smile

-Aaron

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Well there is for sure not much rain or moisture up at 50,000 ft where the F22 is going to operate.

It wasn't rain "on" the coating that was the issue...it was rain eroding away the tape covering the panel gaps that was the problem. Not having much rain at Edwards, we never ran into the problem.

I believe that has been resolved now.

The F-22 doesn't use tape anyways.

correct...

While there might be some change in RCS due to weather, I don't know..... one thing I do know is that weather has a great influence on infra red.
A test pilot for the Typhoon said, the IRST system his aircraft has can detect an F-22 under 'optimum' conditions at ranges up to 80 Km (50 mi) and in worst case weather conditions down to 8 Km (5 mi)! Humidity is the element in the weather that determines the effectiveness of the infra red systems. The moisture absorbs the IR energy.

There is all sorts of speculations about the detectibility of stealth. It is the haves versus the have nots. The USA is a 'have' and the rest of the world is a 'have not.' If stealth can be nullified then a significant advantage can be removed and all of a sudden a level playing field exist again between American made aircraft and all the other warplanes around the world. If stealth is as significant as America says it is then, Americans are the kings of the hill and the rest of the world is at the bottom of the hill and, envious!

Adrian

The F-117s, during Desert Storm, were greatly affected by weather conditions. It wasn't so much on their Radar Cross Section, but, their capability to target their laser-guided ordnance. Some of the worst weather in Iraq's history occured during Desert Storm and hindered the full capability of the F-117s. They simply could not target their bombs when there was cloud cover blocking the targets. However, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the F-117s used GPS-targeted munitions, which could guide through cloud cover, since, they were guided by GPS coordinates, rather than a laser designator. As for the RCS of an aircraft, whether it's the F-117 or the F/A-22...it does not matter what the weather conditions are. The F-117s remained undetected throughout Desert Storm, even during the worst weather recorded in history.

The problems are:

1. Even the IRST of EF-2000 can detect F/A-22 at the range of 80 km+ away in the ideal condition, can it identify it with IIR image at that distance???

2. Even the IRST of EF-2000 can detect and identify F/A-22 at the range of 80 km+ away by itself in the ideal condition, How does a passive sensor get the data of range measuring without the help of radar???

3. Can PIRATE fire and guide AIM-120 / Meteor by itself only to engage F/A-22 at BVR distance???

Elite 1K Joined: May 26, 2005 - 08:39 PM Posts: 1496

4. Can an AIM-120 / Meteor guide to endgame without radar returns from its active seeker?

Remember, the antenna and transmitter on a missile are smaller and lighter than onboard a fighter aircraft...

avon1944 wrote:

There is all sorts of speculations about the detectibility of stealth. It is the haves versus the have nots. The USA is a 'have' and the rest of the world is a 'have not.' If stealth can be nullified then a significant advantage can be removed and all of a sudden a level playing field exist again between American made aircraft and all the other warplanes around the world.
Adrian

You are implying that LO is the only advantage we have. The sensor suite and integrated avionics are also head and shoulders above anything else out there. Feel free to take away our stealth. You'll just be able to predict your demise rather than be surprised by it Smile

Dont forget offboard sensors as well. (AWACS/RJ/JSTARS/etc...) They can provide a lot of advantage as well

Forum: General F-22A Raptor forum

Is the F-22 stealth 'all weather'?