Chinese scientists unveil new stealth technology for jets

Chinese scientists from Huazhong University of Science and Technology have developed new material that can help fighter jets avoid the most advanced radars.

The new material is capable of absorbing microwave radar signals through ultrahigh frequencies. Currently, known materials with the same ability are too thick to use for fighter jet construction. However, the material developed by Chinese scientists is measured to be nearly ten times thinner than any other known material.

"Microwave absorbers can effectively reduce the radar cross sections of aircraft, and so they are commonly used in stealth missions," the paper submitted to the Journal of Applied Physics reads. "Unfortunately, absorbers are usually thick and have relatively narrow absorption bandwidth."

The research, led by Chinese scientist Wenhua Xu, suggests the newly-developed material could surpass the stealth capabilities of Lockheed Martin's F-35, which has stealth technology that may not be too effective against ultrahigh frequencies according to Popular Mechanics.

The technological innovation was announced as the Chinese government continues to fast-track its military development, which some defense analysts say has managed to close the gaps with Western militaries. A report published in September by the Rand Corporation suggested that the Chinese military would be able to mount a difficult defense against the U.S. Armed Forces in the fictional scenario of a U.S. invasion.

China came under sever scrutiny earlier in 2015 after documents leaked by Edward Snowden revealed Chinese hackers stole plans for Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, prompting the government to take further cybersecurity measures.