15 ms·
Nothing about the fact that the J-20 looks like the F-22 implies cyber-espionage. If I were trying to build a stealth fighter, the first thing I'd do is look a
by prewett 16y ago
Nothing about the fact that the J-20 looks like the F-22 implies cyber-espionage. If I were trying to build a stealth fighter, the first thing I'd do is look at pictures of it and make something that looks similar. (Since aviation week, or whoever, was able to tell what the angles of the J-20 are, I assume China would have no problem figuring out the shape of the F-22 from the numerous pictures available.) Even if you just knew the idea of shaping the plane to deflect radar signals, you'd probably end up with something similar. I expect that the really important stuff is in things not in the pictures: materials to use, paint to use, paints not to use, how to make non-radar-reflective joints/weapons/mounts, how to get good aerodynamics with all those sharp edges, etc.
- DanHulton 16y agoI just finished reading Skunk Works, and actually the biggest contributor to stealth technology IS the angles and the shape. The materials definitely help (or hinder, if you get them wrong), but thing #1 is having the right shape. Aerodynamics relies heavily on having a good computer-assisted flight system, since stealth shapes tend not to be aerodynamic.
- SkyMarshal 16y agoYup, great book, amazing stories. Ironically, the understanding for how shape an aircraft to redirect radar was inspired by a journal article by a Soviet aerospace engineer on how to design fighter nose cones for optimal nose radar transmission.