Carrying BVR missiles decreases radar signature by quite a bit (explanation)

[Yongpeng Sun-Tastaufen]

Planes and BVR missiles have larger radar signature on the side, less radar signature in the front and the back. Side of planes are kinda flat, which reflects radar waves a lot. Missile is cylinder shaped, with a pointy front. So missile radar signature is very small in the front, and side scatters radar wave a lot compared to side of plane. So, carrying BVR air to air missiles under the wings, plane increases radar signature by a bit in the front, somewhat a lot more in the back, but reduces radar signature by a lot on both sides. Planes and missiles have bigger sides and smaller fronts and back. So, carrying BVR missiles decreases overall radar signature by quite a bit.

As you can see, carrying BVR air to air missiles reduces side radar signature by scattering away radar waves more compared to not carrying BVR air to air missiles. Front and back radar signatures are increased, not so much in the front but more so in the back, but overall radar signature is reduced because plane and missile have more side area and less front and back areas and side radar signature is much more reduced.