Why doesn't the military put an exterior of leather over the metal of a plane to keep it off radar?

Question

Why would this be a bad idea or would it work?

Answer 1

I don't know but I bet if you wear those leather pants and jacket YOU won't be detectable by radar.

Answer 2

Because that would expose the aircraft to all kinds of other problems like fire and the leather would just blow off in the high speeds.

Answer 3

What?!

Answer 4

Well let's see... First of all, the leather's rough uneven texture, compared to the metal would increase drag and therefore decrease the plane's top speed and performance. Second of all, it would add unnecessary weight. Third of all, it wouldn't be durable enough to withstand the speeds and would rip off. Fourth of all, the air temperature can go down to -90 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the plane's altitude and at that temperature, the leather would freeze, turning glasslike, and break off. Oh, and lastly, I don't think it would even work. The leather would be detected by the radar just like the metal. Hope this helps.

Answer 5

pxdphil is 100% correct. Radar works on a simple principle, based on how  bats find their prey. A signal (of high frequesncy) is transmitted and it bounces off the object. When the signal reflects off the object, the signal the returns to the origin.  Coating an object in leather would not stop the energy from still reflecting off the metal.

This is why they make aircraft of a triangular shape..it is less reflective... look at the B117 if you notica the angles of the skin... they are designed to disipate the radar radiation... hope this kinda gives you an idea....

Answer 6

It doesn't.

Answer 7

It would make the plane look like a couch.

Not very threating is it?

Also can you imagine a lot of fighter jets flying over covered in leather. It would be cool looking but not very aerodynamic.

Answer 8

Coating a plane, or any metalic object, in leather would not stop it being picked up by radar. Radar works by waves being transmitted, bouncing off an object and then returning to the source of the wave. Regardless of the outer surface of the object, the waves will be reflected back.

Answer 9

Leather doesnt absorb radar energy, so there is nothing stopping the radar signal going through the leather and bouncing off the airfame beneath. What you would need is a good radar absorbing material coating.

And leather doesnt have suitable thermal and weather qualities to make it suitable for such roles.

Answer 10

the leather could catch on fire.