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The existence of a secret programme to produce Britain's own stealth plane has been revealed with the declassification of a single photograph and a short statement.
The craft pictured is full-scale model and was completed in 1999, after five years of work. The �20 million programme, codenamed Replica, was jointly funded by BAE Systems and the UK Ministry of Defence.
Few details have been released, but BAE Systems says Replica was subjected to a "rigorous test programme", which assessed its cross section on radar. This would be key to evaluating whether the craft had "low observability", i.e. stealth. However, it is not known whether systems to reduce its infra-red, acoustic or visual signatures were used.
Replica was never intended to be as difficult to detect as the exotic and extremely expensive pure stealth aircraft such as the US F-117a and B-2. But UK stealth specialists are said to have achieved their goal of striking a balance between low observability and cost. It also demonstrated British expertise in the complex world of stealth technology.
The programme was completed in early 1999 and testing proved successful, demonstrating that the designed model achieved the signature targets.
Originally posted by RAAFY
it'd be great to see what Australia has cooking up out in the underground bases in the outback.
Originally posted by sanctum
Originally posted by RAAFY
it'd be great to see what Australia has cooking up out in the underground bases in the outback.
RAAFY, do u mean under pine gap? I would love any
info
Originally posted by RAAFY
Originally posted by sanctum
Originally posted by RAAFY
it'd be great to see what Australia has cooking up out in the underground bases in the outback.
RAAFY, do u mean under pine gap? I would love any
info
Pine Gap is the US's base.. Australia has nothin to do with it. I'm talkin bout the Secret RAAF Bases like Shneider and the other two..cant remember the names that are apparently there
Originally posted by RedDragon
I wonder how many other countries now have similar projects??
Originally posted by RAAFY
it'd be great to see what Australia has cooking up out in the underground bases in the outback.