Re:US Military Asks for Help Locating Missing F-35 Fighter Jet
by _djo_ on Monday September 18, 2023 @05:02PM
(#37561997)
They're always installed, just selectively disabled as needed.
Re:US Military Asks for Help Locating Missing F-35 Fighter Jet
by elihu on Tuesday September 19, 2023 @03:46AM
(#37566753)
The article mentions that they have transponders that can be used but apparently in this case it was off or not working. They can also attach a radar reflectors when they want to be more visible to radar, and apparently the weapons configuration plays a role too:
> "Also, the jet's configuration and its avionics' operability are an issue. The F-35s wear radar reflectors when on transit flights, as well as on many training missions and some operational ones. The Marine jets often wear missile rails for AIM-9Xs, as well. But if the aircraft was in its full stealthy configuration and had avionics issues, tracking it may have been troublesome."
I did read that stealth aircraft have transponders installed when operating in US airspace, so commercial radar can see them better. But it was not installed on this flight.