Automation of an RCS (Radar Cross Section) Measurement System and Its Application to Investigate the Electromagnetic Scattering from Scale Model Aircraft Canopies.

摘要

The purpose of this study was twofold. The first objective was to complete the development of AFIT's Far-Field Radar Range with a fully automated measurement process. The second objective was to use the facility to investigate the scattering of metallic versus transparent aircraft canopies relative to the scattering of the total aircraft. The approach for the investigation was: first, to measure scale model aircraft to determine the effect of the RCS of the canopy/cockpit area on the RCS of the total aircraft, and second, to design and measure a test body which would isolate the canopy/cockpit area from the rest of the aircraft. The result of the work on the first task is a software package called AFIT RCS Measurement Software (ARMS). The successful performance of the far-field range was validated by very favorable comparisons with the Wright Research and Development Center's anechoic chamber. The scale model measurements suggest at most a 5 dB difference between the scattering from the two extreme cases. The test body, however, clearly demonstrated differences up to 20 dB at certain frequencies. This study documents the upper and lower bounds of the subject measurements in an indoor measurement range. The Air Force has expressed interest in steering the investigation to examine materials and/or canopy construction. Theses. (rrh)