Stealthy Wind Turbines

New wind farm applications often have to overcome objections based on interference with air traffic control and air defence radars.

QinetiQ has developed a solution using non-conventional radar-absorbing material (RAM) that, unlike conventional parasitic RAM, can be incorporated into the turbine blade structure.

We achieve this by replacing one of the composite's glass cloth layers with a specially modified alternative. The result is a thin composite (relative to the wavelengths used) that can absorb more than 99% of incidental radar.

The solution is cost-effective, works with existing manufacturing methods and is ‘fit-and-forget’.

By easing planning applications, we are helping the UK move towards its renewable energy targets set by the Kyoto Protocol.