The F-35C BuNo 168842 with the special coating parked at Midland airport, Texas, in November 2022. (Image credit: @TimHPatriot)
Recently released images show the F-35C’s mirror-like coating and damaged tiles after extensive testing. Recent images of the U.S. Navy’s experimental mirror-like coating on the F-35C have appeared online. The photos, taken in November 2022, show the second “chrome” F-35C, BuNo 168842, parked at Midland Airport in Texas, with a severely damaged reflective coating. The intended use and longevity of this novel technology are called into question by this development.
Mysterious Coating Degradation
TimHPatriot, a fan of aviation, posted new pictures that show the mirror-like tiles are in bad shape. The photographer said that the pilot thought the coating would protect the plane’s skin from salty air. But the tiles kept falling off while the plane was in the air. This view goes against earlier claims about what the reflective coating was for. Some people thought that the coating made the plane’s infrared signature less noticeable. It’s likely that the tiles weren’t painted on because they are clearly getting worse. Instead, they might have been stuck on with glue, like vinyl films on temporary aircraft liveries. That could be why they come off so quickly.
Testing in Varied Environments
Several aircraft, including F-35C BuNo 168842, underwent testing with this special coating. Test teams evaluated one aircraft aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). They also frequently observed other aircraft at desert bases like Nellis AFB and Edwards AFB. These different locations suggest a broad set of environmental stress tests.
F-22 and F-117 Stealth Coatings
There has been reflective treatment on U.S. military planes before. The F-22 Raptor first used this coating, especially on training and test aircraft outside combat service. Engineers reportedly designed the coating to improve the durability and performance of radar-absorbent materials. They did so because radar-absorbent materials usually wear out quickly. Since November 2021, people have also seen F-117 stealth fighters with similar coatings. The F-35C is very similar to the F-22 in terms of layout. It has small, reflective tiles placed in strategic places over the nose, fuselage, weapon bay doors, and the inner and outer faces of the twin tails.
Theories Behind the Coating
Theories surrounding the purpose of the mirror-like finish vary. The most credible explanations include
- Counter-IRST Technology: Designed to reduce the aircraft’s infrared signature against enemy IR search and track systems.
- Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) Replacement: A more durable and easier-to-maintain alternative to conventional RAM coatings.
- Passive Laser Defense System: Potentially reflecting laser-guided weaponry or reducing visibility in high-energy targeting systems.
Return to Standard Livery
In early 2023, the F-35C BuNo 168842 was seen in its original grey paint job, but the reflective tiles were gone. The Modex of the plane also changed from XE-105 to XE-101, but it stayed with VX-9, which is based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
Final Thoughts
These new photos give us useful information about the U.S. Navy’s ongoing tests of stealth technology. We still do not know the exact purpose of the mirror-like coating, but its poor durability shows that engineers must improve it. This technology, whether it’s for IR suppression, RAM enhancement, or some other secret purpose, is a big step forward in the development of stealth warfare. The aviation community will definitely keep a close eye on this strange coating and how it might be used in future combat situations.
References
- Aero Vodochody Official Website
- Egypt Air Show 2024 Official Website
- Defense News Today
- FlightGlobal – Aviation News
- Pakistan Defence Forum
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