Radar Cross Section Measurements

Scientists and engineers have had to measure or estimate the radar cross section (RCS) of objects ever since the invention of radar. This guide explains how RCS is typically measured on test ranges, and how testing may be tailored to meet specific requirements. The book provides basic and advanced information on instrumentation systems, test range design, and measurement technology. The book's mission is to present and explain the rules of good measurement practice. Those rules assure that the electromagnetic test environment is optimized for the particular object being measured. Examples are rules governing the uniformity of the incident field in the target zone and the minimization of undesired background echoes. Individual chapters describe the design and operation of outdoor test ranges, indoor chambers, dynamic test ranges, and near-field (compact) ranges. In other chapters, discussions include: - Target support fixtures: plastic foam columns, string supports, metal pylons; unusual methods are also discusses, including one involving no support at all. - Calibration: Instrumentation calibration, RCS calibration, primary and secondary standards, calibration by substitution - Outdoor test ranges: Real estate needed, antenna selection, ground-plane optimization, berms, radar fences - Scale-model testing: scaling laws, dielectrics and absorbers, metallic coatings, resistive sheets - The electromagnetic principles governing accurate RCS measurements are explained in easy-to-read style. The explanations are supported by simple analyses and augmented by measured and computed illustrations. Radar Cross Section Measurements is a valuable source for professional people needing reference material on the measurement of RCS targets both indoors and outdoors. It will be especially useful to aerospace engineers and scientists working with modern radar systems.