RADAR ABSORBENT COATINGS
COMBINING STEALTH WITH STRENGTH
Radar, or radio detection and ranging, uses radio waves to determine the relative distances, directions, and velocities of distant objects. Radar technology has existed for nearly a century and has experienced the same rapid development and deployment as countless other military technologies. In response, stealth materials have become part and parcel to radar technology; the other side of the same coin, is used to avoid detection and monitoring by radar. Improvements in radar technology and growing geopolitical tensions have put these materials at the forefront of military research and development, where government organizations and large defense contractors spend millions annually to develop and optimize advanced stealth paints and coatings. Better stealth means more successful combat and reconnaissance missions and, most importantly, fewer allied casualties. While new and specialized stealth materials are always in the works, established coatings technologies like polyurea can serve as effective radar-absorbent materials (RAMs) while also providing additional protection from harsh environments, and even enemy fire.
POLYUREA STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
Radar detection works by first emitting radio waves, a type of electromagnetic radiation, that then propagates through space until it encounters any objects. The signal then “bounces,” or reflects, off the object, which is later detected by a receiver and displayed on devices like a radarscope. Radar-absorbing materials like polyurea helps to absorb these signals, stopping them from returning to enemy receivers for detection and potential engagement. While still an area of ongoing research, polyurea is one of a growing number of radar-absorbing materials, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few key examples of how radar-absorbent coatings are used for military applications:
