Matrix Games Forums

Scenario: Custom
Build: 678.3

Issue: I have an F-117A heading toward a complex defended by an SA-2f and SA-3C SAM. The F-117's RWR fails to note the radars of either facility.

ALR-56M on F-117 has bandwidth 1-20GHz (D-J band). Search radar Spoon Rest C works on frequencies 147-161MHz (A band), Flat Face B on 810-850MHz (C band). Their frequencies are too low for this RWR to detect.

I wondered if that was it. I'm surprised that a stealth aircraft can't detect common air defense radar sets!

The whole XST/Have Blue/F-117 program was a crash effort ("Get stealth out in the field ASAP" was the overriding objective) and many things were left out in order to avoid delays (e.g. an LPI radar), along with re-using existing parts as much as possible. The F-117 shape & materials are ill-suited for countering low-frequency sets like the Spoon Rest (the emphasis is on tracking & fire-control radars), so the avoidance of EW/GCI radars typically relied on careful route planning (IIRC the mission planning software was considered as great a leap as the RAM/RAS) and on supplementary SEAD/DEAD operations (Eager Anvil, the Apaches blowing up a key EW/GCI post, was primarily about opening up a stealth-permitting corridor on Iraqi airspace).

Great follow up, D! Lots of potential scenario material there.

I think the F-117 has not RWR at all (I will search for some references):The RWR receptor antenna should compromise his stealth (Also the SR-71 initially was without at least the forward facing RWR, but it was later added).