Radar cross section of combat aircraft

In the late eighties, early nineties timeframe, Lockheed Martin embarked on an experimental project to demonstrate upgradability of the F-16 to the USAF for the modern battlespace. Part of that project was the reduction of Radar Cross-Section (RCS) for "stealth." After all the engineering changes were made on Lockheed's experimental F-16, the USAF was invited to witness the testing. Through material changes, external coatings, and design modifications, Lockheed was able to reduce the RCS of a fighter designed in the early 1970's to something similar to modern fighter aircraft. Nevertheless, the USAF wanted nothing to do with it, instead opting to pursue the F-22 and later F-35. It was explained to me that within the Pentagon, officer promotions are made by managing programs for new platforms. Modernization programs lack the sexiness to justify a "Star" on a shoulder.

Radar cross section of combat aircraft - infographic