What are the two most important facts in reducing RADAR Cross Section (RCS)?

The focus on shape and material in reducing Radar Cross Section (RCS) is fundamental due to their direct impact on how an object reflects radar waves.

Shape is crucial because it determines the angles at which radar waves hit the object. By designing an aircraft or missile with a flat or angular shape, radar waves can be reflected away from the radar source instead of back towards it. This design approach minimizes the effective cross-sectional area that the radar can detect, thereby reducing the RCS.

Material also plays a significant role because certain materials can absorb radar waves instead of reflecting them. Materials designed with radar-absorbing properties can significantly decrease the amount of energy that returns to the radar source, further reducing RCS. This includes specialized coatings and composites that are engineered to muffle or scatter radar signals.

Both shape and material must be carefully considered when designing stealth technology, as they work in tandem to achieve the lowest possible radar signature.