I was thinking a while about how to defeat the MiG 1.42's stealth in combat. First, the exact way in which the stealth works is unknown. But it may emitt, which means that it could be detected while in radar-stealthy mode by passive sensors. This has prompted many to say that the MiG 1.42 would use the device only when the RWR lights up warning the pilot that another plane is in the area, and has already likely detected the MiG 1.42, but at least the enemy would not be able to fire on him, or if he did the missile would easily be defeated through manuervering, EW, and the low RCS of his plane. Another reason for the stealth deivce only being used as needed is that it may use a lot of power.

But since the stealth device emitts, a missile can be made that specifically targets the emittion, whether it is a faint glow visually or IR. A combination attack of radar guided missiles and this new type of missile gives the Mig 1.42 pilot a choice, turn off his stealth device and be targeted by radar, or turn it on and then the anit-stealth missiles come rushing in. The US though would need a longer (well medium)range missile besides the AMRAAM which does not use active radar guidance.

Even if active stealth produces a better reduction of RCS than passive stealth, it creates new ways of being detected, which are necessary for the anit-radar plasma stealth to work. The active stealth may be cheaper, but the aerodymanic side is not as much of an issue anymore, since the F-22 is generally seen as the stealthiest fighter, nearing the F-117 in RCS, but can take out anything in service right now in a dogfight. The future will see a degradation in the F-22's compartive manuevering abilites, but it is not as hampared as the F-117 and B-2. the result is still that the F-22's passive stealth comes out on top. It's near, as, or more manuerable than other planes in the future. And, its more stealthy all around because it does not emit signals.

I saw a JDW article about the Russian plasma device, and as I've said before the 1st and 2nd generation of plasma stealth devices are for sale, according to the article. So, US scientist should soon have it in their hands, evaluate it, and then determine if it is a better all around package compared to the US's passive stealth. If it is, then the passive stealth of the F-22 and acitve stealth of the Russian plasma may be combined, to produce a super stealthy fighter.

A little more out on the fringe of military tehnology, well, actually well beyond the fringe, the same article (JDW) mentioned that the 3rd generation plasma stealth device was going to explore if it could produces similar results to so called "smart skins" that were being produced by the US. These "skins" are said to create the scene on the other side of the jet on the jets surface, creating a visual-blend with the background. If it's good engouh, the plane would blend in and disappear. But these skins could also create other forms of light, such as radar, on the other side, so the enhance the stealth against future detection methods. But that's unconfirmed; suspected, but not not offical. Guess we'll have to wait 'til 2015.