Plasma Shield Makes Military Jets Invisible
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Chinese scientists and engineers claim to have developed a plasma stealth device for military aircraft that can make any aircraft invisible – undetectable by radar.
Older versions of this technology created a blanket of plasma covering the entire aircraft, but this new innovation can target specific areas like the radar dome or cockpit to make them disappear from radar screens. This new device is called the “closed electron beam plasma stealth device,” and can be activated quickly to deceive radar operators.
According to Interesting Engineering, plasma stealth technology is a concept that aims to reduce the detectability or the radar cross-section (RCS) of an aircraft by using ionized gas or plasma. Hypersonic vehicles (and weapons) move incredibly fast, causing the air in front of them to create a plasma cloud that absorbs or disrupts radar waves, effectively hiding the object from radar systems.
While this kind of stealth technology has been studied and researched in concept, its practical implementation and effectiveness remain subject for debate. Some challenges include the energy required to sustain the plasma and control its density and distribution.
Traditional stealth aircraft use radar-absorbent materials and special shaping to minimize radar reflection. The plasma stealth technology, however, takes a different approach by using a cloud of ionized gas to achieve similar stealth characteristics.
Scientist Tan Chang who works on the project stated that the new technology offers several benefits, like a straightforward design, adjustable power range, and high plasma density. He further suggests that this solution could be applied to various military aircraft and meet “China’s increasing need for advanced military capabilities.”
The team of scientists noted that plasma generated by electron beams offers better adjustability, energy efficiency, reduced power requirements, and lighter weight, making it suitable for practical use.
