S10
SENIOR MEMBER
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- Nov 13, 2009
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Low observable platforms are constantly evolving. In WWI it was about visual camouflage. Planes like U-2 and SR-71 are both LO against the threat they faced at the time. My point is that "stealth" is a shifting requirment.I'm interested. Please elaborate.
With that said, Americans have been researching into reducing their plane's radar signatures since SR-71 in the 1970's. Prior to F-22, they've put several LO planes into operational use in actual combat. The experience, tactics and depth of knowledge in the field is something China do not compare. From what I can gather, China only started in this field in the 1980's, but did not seriously engage in this matter until J-XX program started in the late 90's.
Then there is the problem of sensor fusion. It's not just about how nice the AESA radar and IRST is on your plane. Americans aircrafts can reliably depend on off-board sensors to provide for better situational awareness in a network centric environment. Their VLO designs allows them to counter the opponent's awareness. In addition, Americans have a wide range of ECM available at their disposal to suppress the other side's network.
My opinion still stands, J-20 design is a compromise, speed and agility in an environment in which you have very little reaction time.