Day with a Difference - July 30, 2006

Today's Inspirational Quote:

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

How does stealth technology work? (HowStuffWorks.com)

The goal of stealth technology is to make an airplane invisible to radar. There are two different ways to create invisibility:

The airplane can be shaped so that any radar signals it reflects are reflected away from the radar equipment.
The airplane can be covered in materials that absorb radar signals.

Most conventional aircraft have a rounded shape. This shape makes them aerodynamic, but it also creates a very efficient radar reflector. The round shape means that no matter where the radar signal hits the plane, some of the signal gets reflected back: A stealth aircraft, on the other hand, is made up of completely flat surfaces and very sharp edges. When a radar signal hits a stealth plane, the signal reflects away at an angle. In addition, surfaces on a stealth aircraft can be treated so they absorb radar energy as well.

The overall result is that a stealth aircraft like an F-117A can have the radar signature of a small bird rather than an airplane. The only exception is when the plane banks -- there will often be a moment when one of the panels of the plane will perfectly reflect a burst of radar energy back to the antenna. The Nighthawk is the world's first operational stealth aircraft. (see attached picture)

Expand your knowledge base

A clean joke to start your week with laughter: In-flight humor

1. From a Southwest Airlines employee.... "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out
of this airplane..."

2. From the pilot during his welcome message: "We are pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the
industry...Unfortunately none of them are on this flight...!

3. Another flight Attendant\'s comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as
Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."

Have a memorable day and a great week ahead!
Priya