Could This Ultra-Flat Antenna Enhance the Capabilities of China’s Stealth Fighters?
Chinese engineers have developed an ultra-low-profile, compact antenna that could enhance the stealth capabilities of next-generation fighter jets while maintaining essential communication and navigation functions. This breakthrough comes amid an ongoing military technology race between China and the United States, where stealth aircraft like China's J-20 Mighty Dragon and the US F-22 Raptor compete for superiority in air dominance.
Stealth fighters rely on sleek designs to evade radar detection, but integrating antennas without compromising stealth and aerodynamics has long been a challenge. Traditional antennas tend to be bulky, making it difficult for them to blend seamlessly into an aircraft's structure without increasing its radar cross-section.
To overcome this limitation, Chinese researchers have developed an advanced antenna with a height measuring just 0.047 times the low-frequency wavelength. This innovative design features eight antenna elements arranged in a circular array, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into the aircraft’s body while preserving its operational frequency range. The antenna can be embedded into flat surfaces, minimizing drag and reducing its visibility to radar.
According to Yang Feng, an associate professor at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), the new design holds "promising potential in airborne antenna applications." The project was jointly developed by UESTC and the Southwest China Institute of Electronic Technology, both based in Chengdu, a key hub for Chinese aerospace innovation.
Previously, researchers had designed antennas as thin as 5 millimeters, but these were limited to narrow frequency ranges, restricting their practical use in fighter jets. The new design overcomes this by using a tightly coupled circular array, which extends the antenna’s electrical length beyond its physical dimensions, allowing it to function across a broad range of frequencies.
Additionally, the antenna incorporates a short-circuit wall to regulate current flow and features a special surface designed to absorb excess energy. This absorption capability reduces the likelihood of detection by enemy radar systems, enhancing the aircraft’s stealth profile.
As China continues refining its stealth fighter technology, innovations like this ultra-flat antenna could provide a crucial edge in modern aerial warfare. If successfully integrated into future fighter jets, it could contribute to making Chinese stealth aircraft even harder to detect while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in combat scenarios.
