Microwave-absorbing materials for stealth application: a holistic overview

Implementation of stealth features on advanced airborne platforms (aircrafts, unmanned air vehicles, missiles, etc.) has become a compulsion for each country, for denial/delay detection of these objects from enemy radars, during tactical missions. Apart from the shaping of the airframe, implementation of microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs) on identified locations of airborne vehicles is the only viable solution to reduce their radar cross-section (RCS) and eventually attain stealth capabilities. Numerous dielectric and magnetic class materials have been developed over the last few decades to fulfil the requirement for RCS reduction against various radars operating in different frequency ranges. In this review, a detailed representation of almost the entire range of materials used as MAMs has been provided along with their possible microwave (MW) loss mechanism to fill the gap that existed for a systematic insight on MAMs till now. The current limitations and future aspects are also discussed for the development of future stealth materials.

Automated summary

Implementation of stealth features for advanced airborne platforms is essential for each country to prevent/delay detection by enemy radars during tactical missions. The use of microwave-absorbing materials (MAMs) on identified locations is the only viable solution to reduce the radar cross-section (RCS) and achieve stealth capabilities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the range of materials used as MAMs, along with their microwave loss mechanisms, filling the knowledge gap in this area. The current limitations and future prospects for the development of stealth materials are also discussed.