A stealthjet is a type or aircraft that is not detected by radar. It is often used in strategic bombing missions, where it can be difficult for a conventional aircraft to sneak into the enemy's airspace and strike a heavily defended command center or surface-to-air missile battery without being detected by fire-control radar.
In stealth plane design, there are many technologies. These include a wide range of materials, from carbon-fibre Composites to high strength plastics that are capable of absorbing radar signals.
Stealthy designs help to deflect radar echoes from the source. This explains why aircraft designers avoid flat surfaces. Instead, they design shapes that reflect less radiation back to the sensor. This technique is known as parallel alignment of edges or surfaces, and it's an important part of stealth design.
Another stealth technology is a coating of radar-absorbing material on the aircraft's exterior. This is typically a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic waves.
Many stealth aircraft also feature reentrant triangles that are hidden beneath the skin of the plane. They trap radar signals, and reflect them outward. These structures can be made from a variety of materials, including composites and iron ball paints.
The F-117 Nighthawk, the first operational stealth fighter, was the world's first plane to exploit this technology. The F-117 Nighthawk flew its first flight in 1983. 59 more were made until 2008. In 2008, it was retired from active service.
A number of stealth fighters are in development, including the B-21 Raider. These aircraft can carry large payloads and are as stealthy possible.
A second generation of stealth fighters, the F-22 Raptor, was designed from the ground up with reduced radar signature in mind. This aircraft can "supercruise" at supersonic speeds. It also has the ability to carry weapons internal.
Stealth is not the best solution to air warfare problems, but it can make a hostile pilot's job much harder to spot and then take out with heat-seeking weapons. This can allow attackers to operate in more difficult environments and increase their chances of succeeding against heavily defended targets.
However, it is important not to forget that stealth technology is not an end all. Although it can be very useful, stealth must be used in conjunction with other weapons to maximize aircraft's effectiveness.
China has been working on a stealthy aircraft in recent years. The aircraft will look a lot like Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit's flying wings, but its capabilities are expected to be comparable or better.
It is also designed to be versatile. This means that it can perform many different roles such as flying off of carriers or bombing or strafing targets. It is equipped with advanced sensors, a sophisticated weapon and manufacturing processes that will give it stealthiness to avoid detection by most aerial defences.