Radar cross-section

Definition

The effective size of an object as detected by radar. Smaller RCS means stealthier; the holy grail of aircraft design is making a 50-ton plane disappear on radar.

Example Usage

The F-117's radar cross-section is comparable to a tennis ball.

Origin

Military aviation and radar technology, Cold War era

Fun Fact

Stealth aircraft designs prioritize RCS reduction above almost all other factors.

Source: Military aviation and radar technology

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