Chinese Researchers Develop 6G Smart Surface for Stealth Aircraft, Harnessing Radar for Power

Revolutionary 'Smart Surface' Technology Unveiled

Chinese researchers at Xidian University have developed a novel 'smart surface' that possesses the capability to transform electromagnetic waves, including radar signals, into usable electrical power. This advancement, detailed in a paper published last month in the peer-reviewed journal National Science Review, marks a significant step forward in both military stealth technology and the development of next-generation 6G wireless communication.

The innovation integrates wireless information transfer with energy harvesting, forming a self-sustaining electronic system. This system utilizes a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) combined with AI-driven optimization, employing multi-agent deep reinforcement learning for beamforming and path planning.

Transforming Electronic Warfare and Stealth

Traditionally, stealth aircraft are designed to evade radar detection. However, this new smart surface introduces a paradigm shift: instead of merely avoiding enemy surveillance, future stealth aircraft could potentially absorb radar energy and convert it into power for their onboard systems and communication. This capability could fundamentally alter the dynamics of electronic warfare, turning a detection threat into a power resource.

Key military implications include:

• Electromagnetic Cooperative Stealth: The technology enables multiple entities to work in concert to reduce their visibility to radar and electromagnetic sensors.
• Self-Powering Platforms: Stealth systems could become self-powered, reducing reliance on traditional batteries.
• Enhanced Security: The integrated approach is expected to reduce risks associated with eavesdropping and interference.
• Radio Dead Zones: The smart surface can also be used to create intentional radio dead zones.

Advancing 6G Communication Capabilities

Beyond its military applications, the smart surface technology is poised to significantly impact the evolution of 6G communication networks. Researchers suggest it could provide China with a considerable advantage in developing next-generation 6G technologies, including advanced communication satellites.

The device's ability to combine sensing, communication, and power into a single hardware platform aligns with the broader goals of 6G, which envisions an intelligent and multi-functional digital ecosystem. Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) are already recognized as a promising core technology for 6G, offering advantages such as low power consumption, software programmability, and the ability to reshape the electromagnetic environment for improved signal quality and coverage. The Xidian University team anticipates a broad impact on 6G communications, the Internet of Things, and intelligent stealth.