The ability to avoid detection is one of the most useful tricks of modern day combat aviation. In this episode we dive into some of the history of various stealth endeavors ranging from painting ships with fun stripes to creating radioactive fuel additives. All culminating in a discussion of the materials that make a plane stealthy.

References:

History of Radar [LINK]

How do radars work? [LINK]

Radar and the kill web [LINK]

Review of Radar Absorbing Materials [LINK]

Synthesis of radar absorption material for stealth application [LINK]

Carbon-based radar absorbing materials: A critical review [LINK]

Electromagnetic microwave absorption theory and recent achievements in microwave absorbers [LINK]

Synthesis of porous carbon embedded with NiCo/CoNiO2 hybrids composites for excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance [LINK]

Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed by Ben Rich and Leo Janos

Kelly: More Than My Share off It All by Clarence "Kelly" Johnson and Maggie Smith

This episode is sponsored by Cal Nano, learn more about their work and services by visiting their website.

This episode is sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more.

Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!

If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.

Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks (co-creator,editing assistance), Andrew Falkowski (co-host, co-creator), Jared Duffy (co-host, production, marketing, and editing).

Keywords: F117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter Jets RAM Radar Absorbing Material Skunkworks Spy Plane