Modern stealth aircraft coatings must manage electromagnetic energy across multiple spectral bands while withstanding extreme operational conditions. Current radar-absorbent materials (RAM) typically achieve -20 to -40 dB reduction in radar cross-section, but their effectiveness degrades under thermal cycling (>150°C), aerodynamic loads, and environmental exposure. Maintaining these properties across an aircraft's operational envelope remains a significant engineering challenge.

The fundamental trade-off lies in balancing radar absorption performance against coating durability, thermal management, and maintainability in field conditions.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including multi-layered composite structures with selective spectral control, nanostructured materials for enhanced wave absorption, dynamic camouflage systems, and thermally-stable microsphere technologies. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation while addressing both electromagnetic performance and operational requirements.

1. Stealth Aircraft Ground Maintenance System with Inflatable Facility and Integrated Defect Detection and Repair Mechanisms

BEIHANG UNIVERSITY, 2024

A stealth aircraft ground maintenance system that enables continuous monitoring and repair of the aircraft's stealth coating throughout its operational life cycle. The system comprises an inflatable maintenance facility, a defect detection device, a repair cabin, and a performance evaluation system. The facility provides controlled environmental conditions for aircraft maintenance, while the defect detection device and repair cabin enable precise inspection and repair of the stealth coating. The system enables real-time monitoring of the aircraft's stealth performance and enables continuous maintenance operations without requiring the aircraft to return to a factory.

2. Multilayered Multispectral Camouflage Coating with Segmented Material Arrangements

AMETRINE TECH LTD, 2024

Multispectral coating that integrates multiple layers of material components to create a comprehensive camouflage system. The coating comprises a series of stacked material segments, each comprising a layered arrangement of materials, defining a unique camouflage profile for the object. The segments are assembled and bonded to the object's surface, with each segment comprising a distinct set of materials and structural arrangements. The coating enables independent camouflage profiles for different regions of the object, allowing selective concealment across multiple spectral bands.

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3. Composite Material Structure with Reflective Layer and Dielectric Films for Infrared Spectrum Modulation in High-Speed Aircraft

TIANJIN JINHANG TECHNICAL PHYSICS INSTITUTE, Tianjin Institute of Technical Physics, 2024

Infrared stealth composite material structure for high-speed aircraft that provides infrared stealth without compromising heat dissipation. The structure consists of a reflective layer sandwiched between a first dielectric film and a protective layer. The reflective layer reflects infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping the aircraft. The dielectric film and protective layer have specific refractive indices to allow infrared radiation in certain bands to pass through. This allows the aircraft surface to radiate heat in those bands while blocking detection in other bands. The reflective layer modulates the radiated infrared spectrum to prevent detection in critical bands while allowing dissipation in others.

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4. Composite Wave-Absorbing Coating with Barium Ferrite and Nanometer ZrO2 in Low-Temperature Glass Matrix

HANGZHOU SPANNER TECH CO LTD, 2023

A composite wave-absorbing stealth coating that enhances radar-absorbent materials (RAM) by incorporating barium ferrite and nanometer ZrO2 ceramic powders. The coating combines these materials with low-temperature glass powder for plasma-sprayed applications, enabling high-performance radar-absorbent surfaces with enhanced thermal stability and durability.

5. Multi-Layer Film with Sequential Infrared and Visible Spectrum Control Layers

UNIV ZHEJIANG, 2023

A multi-layer film for stealth and thermal management that enables comprehensive protection across multiple infrared and visible spectral bands. The film comprises a substrate, a mid-infrared selective emission layer, a short-wave infrared control layer, and a near-infrared control layer arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. This configuration enables effective infrared stealth while simultaneously addressing thermal management requirements through selective emission control and radiation dissipation.

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6. Dynamic Camouflage System with Wavelength-Dependent Microscopic Structure for Selective Diffraction Pattern Control

AIRBUS SAS, 2023

A dynamic camouflage system for aircraft and spacecraft that rapidly adapts its appearance through controlled manipulation of microscopic structure. The system employs an active coating with integrated, wavelength-dependent microscopic structures that can be precisely arranged to produce selective diffraction patterns. By varying the structure's arrangement, the system can dynamically change its appearance to evade detection, particularly in the infrared range. The system's control mechanism can be programmed to achieve specific camouflage patterns through electrical signals, enabling rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

7. Stealth Coating with Nanostructured Fillers and Hollow Microsphere Particles via Multi-Step Dispersion Process

AEROSPACE RES INST SPECIAL MATERIAL & PROCESS TECHNOLOGY, 2023

A lightweight, heat-resistant, and heat-insulating stealth coating comprising a combination of nanostructured fillers and hollow microsphere particles. The coating is prepared through a novel process that integrates these materials into a uniform dispersion through a multi-step dispersion process, followed by controlled drying and brushing. The resulting coating exhibits superior thermal resistance and wave-absorbing properties compared to conventional stealth coatings, with specific performance metrics including density, thermal conductivity, and wave absorption characteristics.

CN115627119A-patent-drawing

8. Multi-Layered Film Structure for Radar-Invisible Stealth Coating on Aircraft

SHANGHAI LUYI NEW ENERGY CO LTD, 2022

Stealth coating for military aircraft that achieves radar invisibility through a multi-layered film structure. The coating comprises a substrate coated with a vacuum-deposited laminate of multiple ultra-fine layers, each optimized for specific stealth functions. The layers are engineered to provide temperature resistance, wear resistance, low drag, and broadband radar absorption across visible and infrared spectrums. The coating combines the benefits of conventional stealth materials while overcoming their limitations through its unique multi-layered design.

9. Composite Coating with Nano-Structured Infrared Absorbing Surface and Transparent Adhesive Layer for Radar and Infrared Stealth

Chen Si, CHEN SI, 2022

A composite coating for aircraft surfaces that enhances stealth through both infrared and radar absorption. The coating consists of a nano-structured surface layer with integrated infrared absorption properties and a transparent adhesive layer that connects the surface layer to a light-absorbing paint finish. This dual-layer design enables both infrared absorption and radar absorption, providing comprehensive stealth protection against detection by radar and infrared sensors.

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10. Infrared Spectrum Absorbing Dye with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles for Metal Surface Application

HAMİT AYKAÇ, 2022

A non-invasive, high-performance infrared dye for stealth applications on metal surfaces. The dye operates in the 300 nm-25000 nm infrared spectrum and exhibits broad spectral absorption properties, enabling effective infrared radiation reduction. The dye is produced through a scalable, cost-effective process involving titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are combined with a carrier solution to form a transparent, non-toxic dye. This dye can be applied to metal surfaces to achieve infrared radiation reduction while maintaining optical transparency.

11. Stealth Aircraft Carrier with Dual-Layered Radar-Absorbent and Acoustic Protection Coating System

WEIHUA CAO, 2022

A stealthy aircraft carrier design incorporating advanced radar-absorbent materials (RAM) with integrated acoustic protection. The carrier features a dual-layered surface coating system comprising a polyurethane foam layer and a graphene-based radiation-absorbing layer. This composite coating system provides both radar-absorbent and acoustic protection, enabling the carrier to evade detection while maintaining stable buoyancy and maneuverability. The system integrates a permanent floating airbag system for enhanced survivability in extreme environments.

12. Three-Dimensional Diffuse Reflection and Wave-Absorbing Coating with Polyurethane Foam and Polyurea Layers

WEIHUA CAO, 2021

A three-dimensional diffuse reflection and wave-absorbing coating for aircraft stealth that combines the principles of planar stealth coatings with the advantages of three-dimensional wave absorption. The coating comprises a rigid polyurethane foam layer with integrated polyurea waterproof coatings, which provides both structural integrity and high-performance wave absorption. The polyurea layer generates electronic polarization through surface electronic polarization, enhancing the coating's radar-absorbent properties. This multi-layered approach enables a comprehensive solution for aircraft stealth that addresses both reflection reduction and wave absorption capabilities.

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13. Radar-Absorbing Paint with Buckminsterfullerene-Infused Elastic Base

REMYA MADAN GOPAL, 2021

A novel radar-absorbing paint for military stealth technology that enables aircraft to evade detection by radar systems. The paint employs a unique composition of buckminsterfullerene particles with a specially designed elastic base, which provides enhanced radiation retention properties. The buckminsterfullerene particles are incorporated into a high-temperature, flame-resistant paint that maintains its structural integrity even at supersonic speeds. This paint achieves radar absorption while maintaining structural integrity, enabling aircraft to operate at low altitudes without being detected by radar systems.

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14. Nanocomposite Coating with Unidirectional Electromagnetic Conductivity for Aircraft Surfaces

Chengdu Priest New Materials Co., Ltd., CHENGDU PRESSTER NEW MATERIAL CO LTD, 2021

Electromagnetic wave unidirectional conductive coating for aircraft surfaces that combines stealth radar-absorbing properties with electromagnetic wave transmission control. The coating comprises a surfactant-based dispersion of nanometer copper-zinc powders, nanometer ultrafine carbon black, and graphene, with an adhesion promoter and anti-settling agent. The dispersion is prepared through a surfactant-free dispersion process, followed by grinding to achieve a fineness below 25 microns. The dispersion is then formulated with a surfactant, anti-static agent, and adhesion promoter, and filtered and packaged for application on aircraft surfaces.

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15. Camouflage Coating with Multi-Spectral Pigment-Additive Composition for Enhanced Environmental Performance

CHENGDU PRESSTER NEW MATERIAL CO LTD, Chengdu Preist New Material Co., Ltd., 2020

A multifunctional camouflage coating that addresses environmental concerns and provides enhanced performance compared to existing camouflage paints. The coating combines pigments with specific additives to achieve multi-spectral camouflage capabilities, including visible light, infrared, and radar protection. The formulation enables uniform application, rapid drying, and excellent environmental performance. The coating's unique composition balances adhesion, abrasion resistance, and water resistance while maintaining a low environmental impact.

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16. Stealth Coating with Reinforced Fiber Matrix and Pressure-Resistant Hollow Microspheres

QINGDAO AIR++ NEW MATERIALS CO LTD, 2020

A stealth coating for aircraft surfaces that combines high-temperature thermal insulation with full-frequency wave absorption. The coating comprises a reinforced chopped fiber matrix, pressure-resistant hollow microspheres, and a wave-absorbing agent. The reinforced fiber matrix provides excellent thermal insulation, while the pressure-resistant hollow microspheres enhance wave absorption at frequencies above 1 GHz. The wave-absorbing agent further enhances the coating's radar-absorbing properties. This integrated coating enables aircraft surfaces to achieve both thermal protection and radar stealth capabilities.

CN111393989A-patent-drawing

17. Polyurethane/Sericite/Silane Composite Coatings with KH550-Modified Sm2O3 for Enhanced Interface Density and Lubricant Resistance

UNIV CHUZHOU, 2019

Preparing near-infrared absorption coatings with enhanced lubricant resistance through a novel modification of polyurethane (PU)/Sericite/Silane composite coatings. The modification involves incorporating KH550, a sericite-based coupling agent, into the PU/Sm2O3 composite system. This modification enables the formation of a denser, more compatible interface between the filler and the adhesive, while maintaining the high absorption properties of the Sm2O3 filler. The KH550 modification enables the creation of a more robust interface structure that enhances the coating's mechanical properties and resistance to environmental degradation, particularly in applications requiring high lubricant resistance.

18. Multi-Band Stealth Coating with Hybrid Nanomaterial System in Cross-Linked Polyurethane Matrix

NANJING U-VALLEY NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2019

A multi-band stealth coating for aircraft that achieves both electromagnetic and acoustic stealth capabilities. The coating combines a hybrid nanomaterial system comprising a mixture of iron oxide nanoparticles and organic silicate with a cross-linked polyurethane matrix. The nanomaterials provide broadband absorption across electromagnetic and infrared frequencies, while the polyurethane matrix enhances mechanical properties and adhesion. The coating exhibits improved durability and corrosion resistance compared to traditional stealth coatings, enabling simultaneous electromagnetic and acoustic stealth performance.

19. Method for Fabricating Stealth Coatings Using Integrated Nano-Absorbent and Conventional Aircraft Coatings

NANJING U-VALLEY NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2019

A method for preparing stealth coatings for aircraft that addresses conventional limitations in radar-absorbent materials (RAM). The method enables the creation of high-performance, low-weight stealth coatings through the integration of advanced nano-absorbent materials with conventional aircraft coatings. The nano-absorbent components provide exceptional radar-absorbance characteristics while maintaining superior durability and weather resistance compared to traditional RAM formulations. This integrated approach enables the development of ultra-lightweight, high-performance stealth coatings that meet the stringent requirements of modern aircraft applications.

CN109608953A-patent-drawing

20. Infrared Stealth Coating Method with British Powder and Zinc Acetate Filler System

NANJING U VALLEY NEW MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, 2019

Infrared stealth coating method that addresses existing limitations in military applications. The method involves a novel combination of a specific filler and adhesive system, optimized for infrared detection applications. The filler system, comprising a combination of British powder and zinc acetate, enhances infrared stealth performance while maintaining superior leveling and wear resistance characteristics. This combination enables improved infrared detection capabilities compared to conventional stealth coatings.

21. Glass Fiber Composite with Lead, Cobalt, and Nickel for Optical Transmission and Color Modulation

22. Method for Preparing Stealth Coatings Using Nano-Absorbent Coating System with Inorganic Nano-Materials and Organic Polymers

23. Aircraft with Dual-Layer Structure Incorporating Transparent Outer Surface and Reflective Inner Coating

24. Stealth Coating for Aircraft with Electromagnetic and Acoustic Wave Absorption Comprising Acrylic Resin Matrix with Nickel and Zinc-Based Additives

25. Stealth Coating Comprising Hydroxy Acrylic Resin Matrix with Multi-Component Electromagnetic Absorption

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