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.