A recent Chinese technological breakthrough has revealed the ability to use signals from Starlink satellites to detect stealth aircraftwhich could completely transform the way next-generation fighter aircraft are developed.
This innovative approach, based on the use of commercial satellite signals, such as those from SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, poses a challenge for spy aircraft that rely on their ability to evade traditional radarsThis breakthrough marks a turning point in the field of aviation security and defence technology.
The key is in the Starlink signal
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network was originally designed to provide high-speed internet worldwide, especially in remote areas. However, the vast number of satellites in orbit, which now number more than 5,000, also emit signals that can be harnessed for other purposes.
The Chinese engineers have found a way to use these signals to track stealth aircraftsomething that until now could only be achieved through expensive and complex radar systems.
The technique is based on the analysis of the interference caused by spy planes when they pass through the signals of Starlink satellites. Although stealth aircraft are designed to avoid detection by reducing their radar signature, they cannot avoid the fact that they interfere with the electromagnetic waves that propagate between satellites and receivers on Earth. This type of interference, when properly measured, can provide accurate data on the location of an aircraft.
Drones as a detection tool
The key experiment that allowed China to validate this technology involved using drones to simulate spy planes. By tapping into signals from Starlink satellites and monitoring changes in the signal caused by drones in flight, Researchers were able to demonstrate that it is possible to detect stealth aircraft with a high degree of precision..
This experiment opens the door to the possibility of deploying networks of drones equipped with satellite signal detection technology in the future, capable of tracking aerial movements in real time.
In fact, Drones would be an ideal solution to cover large geographic areas at a significantly lower cost than traditional radars. or the advanced detection systems used by today’s armed forces.
Implications for fighter aircraft development
Using commercial satellites like Starlink to detect stealth aircraft could have profound implications for fighter aircraft design. Fifth and sixth generation aircraft, such as The US F-35 or China’s J-20 rely heavily on their ability to fly undetected by radar.However, this new technology could force designers to rethink the way spy and fighter aircraft are developed, as radar evasion would be only part of the problem.
Future aircraft may need to incorporate technologies to minimize the interference they cause to satellite signals.This could lead to increased design complexity and, therefore, increased production and development costs. In addition, countries without access to Starlink-like satellite constellations could find themselves at a technological disadvantage compared to powers such as China and the United States, which already control advanced satellite networks.
How do the Chinese detect spy planes?
The process of detecting stealth aircraft through Starlink signals is complex but effectiveFirst, a network of receivers on Earth is needed to capture the signals transmitted by Starlink satellites.
These receivers monitor the constant signal between satellites and devices on Earth. When a spy or stealth aircraft crosses this signal, it causes slight interference or distortion in the electromagnetic waves..
This distortion, although minimal, can be measured and analyzed using advanced algorithms capable of interpreting the disturbances in the signal and calculating the position of the object causing them.
Using this information, it is possible to track the aircraft’s route, even if it is not emitting any active signal or is undetectable by traditional radar systems.
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