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The russian 'Stealth' Was Fake: Research Shows no Radar-Absorbent Coating on Kh-101 Missile

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Tu-95MS bomber with Kh-101 missiles under its wings / Open source illustrative photo

Out of three stealth technology components, the Kh-101 cruise missile has only one, the body geometry, but then again, sloppy and barely any effective

The russian federation did not manage to replicate the process of making radar-absorbent materials (RAM) to make their aerial vehicles less detectable for enemy surveillance systems. Ukrainian researchers from a specialized design bureau examined the coating of the Kh-101 missiles downed in Ukraine, the report on their findings was obtained by Defense Express.

The results of research show that despite russian claims, Kh-101 is not covered with a special paint that reduces reflection of radiation. This kind of paint is one of the integral components of the stealth technology, along with the peculiar "angular" form of the hull and the use of radio wave transparent materials.



Firstly, the bodies of the examined Kh-101 missiles themselves were made of aluminum alloy with some elements made of stainless steel. The share of composite materials in the body of a cruise missile is insignificant, they are used only in aerodynamic rudders and in coverings for sockets with radio systems, such as the radar altimeter and the satellite guidance receiver.



Secondly, they measured the reflection coefficient of the Kh-101 surface and proved that it in no way affects the visibility of the rocket in the radio spectrum. Thirdly, the missile body is not even intended to do so, because even if it had such properties, the walls are too thick to have an absorbing effect in the frequencies that radars operate in – 2 to 12 GHz.


In other words, all the russian stories about RAM coating on the Kh-101 body turned out to be nothing but propaganda. This, in turn, raises questions about the coating of their new Su-57 fighter.

However, an important feature is that the outlines of the Kh-101 body are actually created with the intent to minimize radar signature facilitated by the missile's low-altitude flight path. By flying low, the missile has a naturally, due to physics, reduced detection range limited by the radio horizon.


Kh-101 missile / Open source illustrative photo

Nonetheless, these findings about the Kh-101 are another example of the russian way of following the "cargo-cult" of stealth technology, which is characterized by ignoring radar-absorbing paint and radio-transparent materials and using just one, the most simple element. Although the Kh-101 missile still does not adhere to the principle thoroughly since it has its engine placed externally.

https://en.defence-ua.com/weapon_and_tech/the_russian_stealth_was_fake_research_shows_no_radar_absorbent_coating_on_kh_101_missile-5966.html

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Vejam o artigo no InformNapalm, pois tem mais informação detalhada: https://informnapalm.org/en/french-equipment-thales-safran-for-russian-aircraft/.

French avionics keep Russian Su-30 flying despite sanctions
(12 de Setembro de 2024)

An investigation by the international intelligence community InformNapalm has uncovered a scheme that allows Russia to continue servicing its military aircraft, including Su-30SM fighters, despite Western sanctions.

The investigation highlights how Kazakh company ARC Group has been facilitating maintenance of Russian jets, using French aviation technology from companies Thales and Safran.

Russia's Su-30SM aircraft rely on critical avionics systems supplied by French manufacturers, including multifunction displays, navigation systems, and heads-up displays. The Su-30SM, which forms a key part of Russia's air force with around 130 units, lost at least 15 aircraft during the war in Ukraine. However, sanctions could have caused Russia to lose more if it were unable to maintain these aircraft's foreign avionics.

Documents obtained by InformNapalm reveal that ARC Group, a Kazakhstan-based company, has been bypassing sanctions by working with Russia to repair and maintain the French equipment. ARC Group reportedly employs certified specialists trained in servicing Thales and Safran systems. “Without this equipment, Russian pilots would be flying blind,” the investigation noted, emphasizing the importance of the French avionics to the aircraft’s operational capability.

InformNapalm's investigation shows that ARC Group signed contracts with Russian firm Rosaviatspeckomplekt in 2021, agreeing to repair French-made components for Russian Su-30SMs. Despite sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the contracts remained active, with Kazakh specialists traveling to Russia to carry out maintenance tasks.

According to the findings, the Kazakh experts were trained by Thales in France and received certification to service the systems. "Between January and February 2023, our specialists completed theoretical and practical training at Thales for servicing avionics systems," ARC Group's director Aldanazar Saginbek stated in correspondence obtained through the investigation.

The findings raise concerns about the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia's military aviation industry and the role of third countries in facilitating the continued operation of Russian military equipment. The French companies involved, Thales and Safran, had previously announced they were exiting the Russian market following the sanctions. However, the investigation reveals that ARC Group continued to source equipment and expertise from France under the guise of serving Kazakhstan's own Su-30SM fleet.

This scheme also underscores the broader challenge of enforcing international sanctions when third parties are willing to act as intermediaries. InformNapalm has urged French authorities and international organizations to investigate and address these violations, warning of the long-term implications for global security if such practices are not curtailed. The full documentation of this investigation is expected to be released shortly.

Fonte: https://defence-blog.com/french-avionics-keep-russian-su-30-flying-despite-sanctions/

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