Stealth wind turbines have appeared in Norfolk.
QinetiQ has collaborated with wind turbine company Vestas Wind Systems to demonstrate a radar mitigation technology for wind turbines.
The stealth turbine is designed using radar absorbing materials in the blades, nacelle and tower. These include modified composites for nacelle and blades, and sprayable RAM coatings that can be applied directly onto the tower and other static surfaces.
The recent trial in Norfolk involved the fitting of the prototype stealth blade onto a Vestas V90 turbine and radar cross section measurements showed significant reductions.
“We believe that Stealth Turbine technology could be a genuine game-changer for the renewable energy industry by removing a major barrier to its development,” said Mark Roberts, Strategic Business Director for Energy and Environment at QinetiQ.
The five year project has developed ‘Stealth Turbine’ technology that can significantly reduce the size of the radar signature made by individual turbines to the point where they can be effectively ‘factored out’ of air traffic control and air defence systems.
With 9GW of potential sites currently blocked by objections from radar operators, this technology could have a revolutionary impact on wind farm planning in both the UK and the rest of the world.
“Our long-standing involvement in the development of stealth techniques for ships and aircraft has enabled us to quickly, seamlessly and cost-effectively transfer this expertise to the renewable energy market," said Roberts.