China Develops Radar-Absorbing Material for Stealth Aircraft
Chinese aerospace engineers have developed a radar-absorbing material for stealth aircraft, consisting of a two-layer composite fabric that could serve as a durable and reliable radar-absorbing coating.
The engineers stated that their design was inspired by ancient silk-weaving techniques used by Chinese artisans during the Han Dynasty. They emphasized that this new material is more durable and reliable than current radar-absorbing coatings and requires continuous updates.
Professor Jiang Qian, head of the research team, explained that the material combines ancient weaving structures with modern electromagnetic technology, absorbing 90.6% of radar waves in the 8-26 GHz spectrum—outperforming traditional stealth coatings.
The researchers used Jacquard weaving technology to integrate conductive threads into both sides of the composite fabric, similar to the techniques employed by Han Dynasty weavers around 200 BCE. The final material consists of quartz fibers forming an insulating base layer, while stainless steel threads create resonant circuits that disperse electromagnetic radiation, according to the South China Morning Post.
The term stealth aircraft refers to aircraft designed using technologies that make them difficult to detect by radar and other surveillance systems.
