What kind of environmental effects must Low Observable coatings and materials withstand?

Low Observable coatings and materials are specifically designed to maintain their effectiveness under a range of harsh environmental conditions that can significantly impact their performance. These coatings must withstand extreme temperatures, which can include both high and low ranges, ensuring that they do not degrade or lose their low observable properties in various climate scenarios. Additionally, UV radiation is a significant factor as it can cause deterioration of materials through photodegradation, leading to a loss of stealth characteristics. Therefore, the ability of these coatings and materials to resist both extreme temperatures and UV radiation is crucial for maintaining stealth capabilities in operational environments.

Other environmental factors, although they may be relevant in certain contexts, do not fully encompass the specific challenges faced by Low Observable materials. For example, while high humidity, light rain, wind, and low pressure can affect various types of materials, they are not the primary concerns that Low Observable coatings encounter in terms of environmental resilience. The focus on extreme temperatures and UV radiation highlights the unique requirements that these specialized materials must meet to ensure continued effectiveness in a wide range of operational settings.