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I don't think stealth aircrafts normally have trackers or anything broadcasting a signal. Kind of defeats the purpose... I did read that stealth aircraft have

I don't think stealth aircrafts normally have trackers or anything broadcasting a signal. Kind of defeats the purpose... I did read that stealth aircraft have transponders installed when operating in US airspace, so commercial radar can see them better. But it was not installed on this flight.

_djo_ 3y ago
They're always installed, just selectively disabled as needed.
elihu 3y ago
The article mentions that they have transponders that can be used but apparently in this case it was off or not working. They can also attach a radar reflectors when they want to be more visible to radar, and apparently the weapons configuration plays a role too: > "Also, the jet's configuration and its avionics' operability are an issue. The F-35s wear radar reflectors when on transit flights, as well as on many training missions and some operational ones. The Marine jets often wear missile rails for AIM-9Xs, as well. But if the aircraft was in its full stealthy configuration and had avionics issues, tracking it may have been troublesome."