Radar is used as a way of remotely sensing something without actually having to see it. One of the applications of radar is to find and track aircraft. This is accomplished by the radar sending out radio frequency
energy. When that energy hits an aircraft it reflects, or bounces, off of the aircraft back to the radar. An aircraft that reflects a lot of energy back to the radar is said to be electrically large, which means it has a large radar cross section and is easier for the radar to see. However, aircraft, even large fighter jets, can be made to have very small radar cross sections, which makes it hard for a radar to be able to find it.
Due to the danger pilots face when flying missions over enemy air space, many things are done to try and decrease their risk as much as possible. One of the most effective things is reducing the aircraft’s radar cross section. The ElectroScience Laboratory at the Ohio State University researches new and innovative ways to do this.
Students will design and build a prototype of a fighter jet invisible to enemy radar by designing a way to reduce its’ radar cross section.
This Guide provides the instructor information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students. The video also leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints.