Adaptive RF stealth for next-generation long-range cruise missiles through interdisciplinary integration of MnZn ferrite/epoxy RAM and sea-surface multipath null exploitation

Abstract

This study presents an interdisciplinary framework to enhance the radar cross-section (RCS) reduction of next-generation long-range cruise missiles by integrating MnZn ferrite/epoxy-based radar-absorbing materials (RAM), electromagnetic simulation, and multipath-aware flight profiles. The best-performing RAM exhibited a reflection loss of −23 dB at 9.8 GHz with a 3.4 GHz effective absorption bandwidth, supported by complex permittivity/permeability analysis and Lorentz-based dispersion modeling. When applied to realistic missile geometries, simulations showed RCS reductions exceeding 25 dB. Furthermore, integrating this material into a dynamic radar detection algorithm shows how sea-surface multipath effects can increase the generation of null channels, reducing reaction time by up to 94 s under simulated conditions. Results underscore the effectiveness of integrating RAM with adaptive trajectory profiles to develop new doctrines for future radio-frequency (RF) low-observable, long-range cruise missiles.