The Game Changers: IRST and Mirror-like Coatings in Stealth Aircrafts

Get ready for an eye-opening journey into the realm of stealth technology and spectral warfare. From the mysterious chrome-like coatings on Navy F-35C Lightnings to the intriguing possibilities of Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems, we'll probe the depths of these high-tech developments that seem to defy all known principles. We promise you an engaging delve into how stealth is evolving from the night-only missions of the F-117 Nighthawk and the F-22 Raptor's day and night operations, to the shimmering mirror-like skins on the F-35s of the VX-9 Vampires and VFA-125, the Rough Raiders.

Ever wondered why stealth aircraft that once donned low-observable, radar-absorbing materials are now sporting chrome or mirror-like coatings? In today's episode, we'll explore this enigma and delve into the game-changing advancements made by passive systems like IRST. We'll shed light on the strategic warfare moves that could be behind these mirror-like coatings, and how they might be a counter to IRST, enabling aircraft to blend into their surroundings. Be prepared for a deep dive into this on-going chess game of stealth technology and how it plays into the future of our air dominance.

Transcript

Speaker 1 0:00

You're listening to the Pilot Photog podcast , where every airplane has a story . In the vast expanse of the ocean , aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln , a Navy F-35C lightning shines unusually under the sun . Its chrome or mirror-like coating catches the eye , sparking a whirl of questions . What is the purpose of this striking finish ? No , it's not extraterrestrial technology , but something equally intriguing . We've seen similar coatings on the F-35s belonging to the VX-9 Vampires , a squadron that's known for testing , but this lightning belongs to VFA-125 , the Rough Raiders , a fleet replenishment squadron renowned for the relentless operational pace on carriers . This suggests a new phase , transitioning these experimental coatings from testbeds to durable operational realities . Could this be the dawn of a new era for the lightning fleet and stealth , where sleek aesthetics meet rugged carrier demands ? And let's take a look at the lightning's counter-intuitive mirror skin that could be the latest in stealth technology , pilotfotogcom .

Speaker 1 1:24

Stealth is all about being unseen and staying hidden Like an ambush predator . You won't know it's there until it's too late . The F-22 Raptor , f-35 Lightning and even the fabled F-117 Nighthawk all make use of low observable technology to do this . In the case of the Nighthawk , saddam Hussein's armed forces found out firsthand what it was like to be taken by surprise during the First Gulf War . The Nighthawk is covered in radar-absorbing materials or RAM coatings , and has a shape that does not allow radar waves to return to the radar . These coatings were also essentially a black color and , since the F-117 flew its missions primarily at night , it was termed the Nighthawk . The next breakthrough came with the F-22 Raptor , which is a day or night stealth aircraft . The next step in that evolution was , of course , the F-35 Lightning , which had improved methods for applying and keeping precious RAM coatings on its skin .

Speaker 1 2:29

These stealth aircraft have all been configured to be low observable by radar and low visibility , but now it appears things have changed . Recently , all three aircraft have been spotted with chrome or mirror-like coatings , seeming to go against everything we've learned about stealth technology . The reason for this could be in the advancements made by passive systems known as Infrared Search and Track , or IRST . These systems , such as those found on the Russian Su-27 Flanker , do not rely on radar waves to detect and track an aircraft , but rather small telescopes and infrared cameras that , visually , can see a target With IRST . If you can see them , you can engage it . Warfare is an eternal chess game , a game of cat and mouse , of move and counter move , and while stealth is still highly effective , these advancements in IRST systems are presenting more of a threat to 5th generation aircraft . What we are seeing in these new mirror-like coatings could very well be a counter to IRST , a way for them to visually blend into their surroundings , making them virtually invisible . Getting back to sci-fi alien technology for a second , this is somewhat similar to how a fictional alien predator hunted in plain sight in a movie made famous by the line Get to the choppa .

Speaker 1 3:55

The fact that we are seeing these mirror coatings on an F-35 , which is performing takeoffs and landings on a carrier , tells us that we've entered the next age in testing this new technology . Carrier operations at sea expose aircraft to some of the most unforgiving environments , especially corrosive salt water . While a fleet replenishment squadron like VFA-125 is not a frontline squadron , it is used extensively aboard carriers and is the next best thing to a forward deployed squadron . Basically , we can think of this as an in-between step to getting those chrome or mirror-like coatings onto operational squadrons . Then there is the NGAD testing . The Navy is working on their own version of the next generation air dominance , or NGAD air , which they have termed FA-XX . These F-35s that are being tested with newer coatings are most certainly testing technologies for the FA-XX . Overall , these highly reflective skins are part of a way to counter those IRST systems and fall under the umbrella of what we now call spectral warfare . Remember that since IRST systems are passive , they are basically immune to traditional radar jamming methods used in electronic warfare . Also , an IRST system that detects an aircraft will not alert the target aircraft .

Speaker 1 5:20

You can now see why , in the modern battle space that is full of stealthy fighters and bombers , warfare becomes such a big deal . When you think about it , it's actually a fascinating twist of aviation history . We find ourselves revisiting an old practice with a new perspective . These super-advanced fifth and sixth generation fighter jets , adorned with chrome-like surfaces are , in a way , a nod to an era long past .

Speaker 1 5:50

During World War II , many Allied aircraft were left in their raw metallic finishes , not just for practicality but also as a bold statement of presence in the skies . This concept traces even further back to World War I , where the famous Flying Circus Squadron , led by the legendary Red Baron , famously painted their aircraft in vivid , eye-catching colors to taunt and challenge their adversaries to aerial duels . This historical concept adds depth to our understanding of modern warfare strategies . This transition from the deliberate visibility of bright colors and reflective surfaces , once used to provoke and engage in direct combat , to employing mirror-like coatings for exactly the opposite reason to remain unseen for as long as possible . This evolution in military aircraft aesthetics reflects really a broader shift in aerial combat philosophy . Where once the goal was to be seen and to confront the enemy head-on , today's approach prioritizes stealth and surprise , just like an ambush predator .

Speaker 1 6:59

These mirror-like coatings on contemporary jets are not just about aesthetics . They are a strategic choice , enhancing an aircraft's ability to blend into its environment , reducing detection by enemy radar and IRST systems , which gives them a critical advantage in modern warfare . So , at the end of the day , what might seem like a simple design choice is , in fact , a sophisticated blend of history , technology and strategy , encapsulating the ever-evolving nature of military aviation . The chrome coatings that are being tested on the F-35 Lightning , the F-22 Raptor and the F-117 Nighthawk are an indication that we will see these on 6th generation aircraft , even the B-21 Raider . What do you think ? How soon will we see these chrome or mirror-like coatings on F-35s ? Will they be applied to F-22s , and could we see them on older generation aircraft like F-16s or even F-15s ? Thanks for listening to the Pilot Photog Podcast . Be sure to subscribe to this podcast and the YouTube channel as well . I will leave links in the description slash show notes below . Now you know .