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An aircraft that flies below radar is harder to detect than one in open sky due to a number of factors.
Battlefield 3
Below Radar decreases the thermal signature of aircraft flying at low altitude. It hinders spotting and prevents weapon lock from heat-seeking weapons. The description specifically reads, "When flying at low altitudes your heat signature is decreased, hiding you from enemy radar and preventing enemy air-to-air missile systems from locking onto you."
Compared to Stealth, it allows aircraft such as helicopters to be more effective at close ground support. Low-flying aircraft are, however, more vulnerable to standard and wire-guided rocket launchers.
Contrary to popular belief, Below Radar is not a permanent upgrade. It is currently glitched; it's impossible to equip it as it doesn't appear in the list of options. This has been tested on the Xbox 360. Lock-on can still be achieved with Stingers and Heat Seeker missiles from jets/other helicopters even when you're just a few feet above or on the ground.
This was also tested with the Heat Seekers of an Mi-28 Havoc against an F/A-18E Super Hornet on Caspian Border on the Xbox 360, and Below Radar did not prevent a lock, although no missile was fired.
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