These systems are so sensitive that objects with a tiny radar cross section (RCS) including flying insects - must be filtered out of its tracking returns.
[Below] Note targets at left.
If this type of object tracking-filtration was incorporated into say - a modern surface-to-air missile (SAM) system - then it could be a game changer for all manner of man-made aerial objects, as well as aspects of theater missile defense?
[Above] Note both large and small weapons tubes which allow a wide-range of engagement options.
The S-400 class systems is a product of the Almaz Central Design Bureau of the Russian Federation. S-400 Triumph (Triumf or 'Триумф') can attack, intercept and destroy airborne targets, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles at a range of ~ 400 km (240 mi) and as low as (terrain permitting) 20-30ft off the ground. It is also able to intercept targets traveling at speeds of 4.8 kilometers per second like a ballistic missile at an effective range of up to ~3,500 kilometers away. It should be noted that vertical (tube) launched systems can direct missiles in different directions more easily than SAM systems launched from an incline.
The S-400 class systems is a product of the Almaz Central Design Bureau of the Russian Federation. S-400 Triumph (Triumf or 'Триумф') can attack, intercept and destroy airborne targets, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles at a range of ~ 400 km (240 mi) and as low as (terrain permitting) 20-30ft off the ground. It is also able to intercept targets traveling at speeds of 4.8 kilometers per second like a ballistic missile at an effective range of up to ~3,500 kilometers away. It should be noted that vertical (tube) launched systems can direct missiles in different directions more easily than SAM systems launched from an incline.
Synchronized low-level multi-directional attack is a well known (and effective) tactic, known to many world air forces. The idea here is to overwhelm any defense by closing on the target from all sides. To counter this, inclined launched-SAM systems may need four (4) launches at-the-ready pointed four (4) different directions. This adds compute complexity for the SAM system in selecting correct launcher(s) for correct target as multiple inbound aircraft close. The compute problem is instantly repeated as (remaining) attackers egress (away) in opposite directions after aircraft weapons release. Remember – combat aircraft have an inherent advantage against the SAM system if they fly at very low levels at high speed to use terrain masking to avoid SAM system sensors, and/or force the SAM engagement time to mere seconds.
[Below] Best video author could locate that shows the dangers of sophisticated–integrated air defense networks to all types of aerial objects. Below is a video produced by the ALMAZ-ANTEY Industrial Concern. They incorporate seventeen manufacturing enterprises, design-bureaus and scientific research institutes located in the Russia Federation to develop long, medium and short-range air defense systems. Modern Integrated Air Defense Networks [English]:
Suffice it to say that an opponent using a SAM system incorporating this type of phased array class radar, may have little trouble detecting and attacking Stealth technologies? These new systems are also starting to incorporate these pseudo-random, Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) scheme-class for search/track/targeting.
To understand the true nightmare that SAM systems can present aircrews, watch and listen to USAF F-16 from the 614 TFS encounter Iraqi SAMs (possibly Roland?) during 1991 Gulf War. SAM contrails or F-16 defensive expendables are clearly visible appear in the HUD at playback point 1:28:
Note how the aggressive maneuvering (or in a dogfight) can bleed off airspeed, in this case from ~ 500 knots down to ~ 200 knots. The pilot (call sign "Stroke-Three) is fighting to keep his airspeed up while 'defending' against this nightmarish encounter with Iraqi SAMs.
Basic "F-16" HUD is provided here to follow the frightening events in the video (above).
Stand-off munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV/Drone Aircraft) are going to be increasingly essential.
[Be advised that Google has deleted this original writing dated 2009 - scholarship purposes require the original publish date to be retained]
Your thoughts?
#radar, #stealth
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1st time commenting and a novice in radar, air defense, and stealth technology. Love this website by the way.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, if Phased Array Radar (Especially AESA Radar) are so sensitive that they can detect tiny objects such as flying insects, then theoretically they can detect stealth aircrafts even the premier F-22 which (I'm not 100% accurate but) have a reduced cross section (rcs) close to that of a bird. (Again, I may be wrong on that fact.)
So, if the F-22 does have the rcs of a bird and is detected, its speed will differentiate it from a real bird. So focus on that fast flying bird (don't filter it out) and then viola, you'll be tracking a stealth fighter. I guess the only thing that keeps the plane from detection is the air defense system operational range limit.
I just wanted to know if this assessment was right, because I think it' too simple-minded to be right. if not please correct me. I would highly appreciate.
Pretty much yes. After looking and thinking about this stuff for a while – what you’ll discover is that you are just as smart and the stealth fighter advocates. Stealth fighters are designed to consume tax revenues – not for killing airplanes or air dominance. It’s just the marketing of technical things (from the DOD) to nontechnical people (congress) who have the money.
ReplyDeleteStealth might work under some/limited operational conditions but only when used together with traditional proven capabilities – not on their own. If you try to use stealth fighters all by themselves – and think you gonna streak in there and shoot everybody down – you’re going to be in for a nasty shock.
Stealth fighters are just a reliant on our existing forces structure for them to “work” as non stealth airplanes.
- Boresight
To detect a stealth the radar needs a radar return sufficient to differentiate the hunt of the background noise. Stealth slows detection by decreasing its RCS to very small values. Any radar can detect a sneak if it gets too close. The advantage of the AESA is that it has much more power and sensitivity, but it is no magic that will make furtive unprofitable. The general rules of the AESA apply to any radar.
ReplyDelete