What is one major consequence of neglecting Low Observable maintenance protocols?

Neglecting Low Observable maintenance protocols primarily leads to increased vulnerability to radar detection. Low Observable (LO) technology is designed to minimize the radar cross-section and overall detectability of aircraft. When the maintenance protocols associated with LO features—such as special coatings, surface treatments, and structural integrity checks—are not followed, these features may degrade over time. As a result, the aircraft becomes more susceptible to being detected by radar, which undermines the advantages gained from LO technology.

Operational performance, radar stealth characteristics, and structural durability would typically improve with proper maintenance, rather than degrade. Thus, the failure to adhere to maintenance protocols could compromise the critical stealth capabilities designed to keep the aircraft undetected in hostile environments.