Russia's Phazotron is using stealth modifications for both conventional and phased array radar designs to try to reduce the overall radar cross section (RCS) of fighter aircraft. Cladding areas of the antenna structure and mechanical array in radar-absorbent material (RAM) is one technique being employed. An image of a version of Phazotron's Zhuk radar appeared in a company publication. Details of the work are not being discussed, since RCS reduction is a "very sensitive topic," according to Phazotron. Senior company officials previously confirmed RCS-reduction work on conventional array radars. Conventional planar array and active, electronically scanned array (AESA) radar components are potentially significant contributors to an aircraft's RCS. A broad range of techniques is being pursued-and some likely already deployed-in addressing signature management, in both Russia and the West.
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