What tool is recommended for achieving a straight line when cutting RAM?

The recommended tool for achieving a straight line when cutting RAM (Radar Absorbing Material) is a straightedge. A straightedge provides a reliable reference line along which to align your cutting tool, ensuring that the cut remains straight and uniform.

Using a straightedge is particularly advantageous when working with flexible or soft materials like RAM, as it allows for a clean, accurate cut that minimizes the risk of wavering or deviation from the desired straight line. This is critical in maintaining the integrity and performance of the RAM, which is essential for its function in low observable aircraft.

While a steel rule can also be useful for measuring and marking lines, it does not provide the same level of guidance for cutting as a straightedge does. Other tools, although valuable in their own right, may not offer the same precision required for this particular task. Therefore, a straightedge is the most effective choice for achieving a clean, straight line when cutting RAM.