[King Prout]

supposition: "antenna" = "the copper mesh and carbon-fiber materials both planes use to absorb some RF is yet a third solution."

remember that a receiving antenna converts RF into electricity and heat. iirc, that is what the copper mesh in the stealth material does. this would effectively make a hole in the signal strength, and a void in the return signal.

[ROLF of the HILL COUNTRY]

"supposition: "antenna" = "the copper mesh and carbon-fiber materials both planes use to absorb some RF is yet a third solution." "

A valid idea, but you're missing this bit of information from the conversation: the commander was explaining the reason the F-117s would need to remain at the end of the runway for about 10-15 minutes after landing at an airshow in order "to retract their antennas so they're unstealthy before we bring them up close."