Abstract: Infrared and radar detection technologies are the primary detection means, posing a serious threat to the stealth performance of aircraft and equipment. Therefore, it is essential to realize compatible stealth against infrared and microwave radar detection to improve their survivability. Meanwhile, these multi-spectrum stealth materials also have great application potential in civilian fields, such as enhancing the efficiency of solar collectors and reducing the heat loss of buildings. In achieving a compatible stealth goal, the core issue is resolving the contradiction between the low emissivity needed for temperature control in infrared stealth and the high absorptivity required for microwave absorption. In this paper, we introduce the classification of infrared– and microwave compatible stealth materials, including carbon-based composite materials, conductive polymer composite materials, metal oxide and ceramic-based composite materials, organic–inorganic hybrid composite materials, metamaterials and dynamically tunable stealth materials. Moreover, different material systems face challenges regarding design principles, preparation technologies, performance regulations and application scenarios. Given these challenges, the future development directions are prospected. This paper provides a key reference for the research of infrared and microwave compatible stealth materials.

Key words: Infrared emissivity, Permittivity, Infrared stealth, Microwave absorption, Multi-spectrum stealth