Near-Field Bistatic RCS (Radar Cross-Section) Measurements.

摘要

This Final Technical Report presents the results of a feasibility investigation of a technique for calculating the far-field radar cross section of an object based upon measurements made in the near-field of the object. This technique is an extension of existing planar near-field antenna measurement technology, and is capable of measuring monostatic radar cross section and bistatic radar cross section at both narrow and wide angles. Included are the detailed formulation of the theory of near-field planar bistatic radar cross section measurement, and discussion of details of the mechanical scanner and software implementation. The comparison of measurement with predictions is presented; the agreement is excellent, and suggests that a larger-scale demonstration would be appropriate. Also included are concepts for reducing the amount of data required for reconstructing radar cross section, and a discussion of limitations of this method of radar cross-section measurement. Specific recommendations are presented for technology development areas that should be pursued to mature this measurement technique into a viable, operational technology. Among those areas are calibration, data handling, computational optimization, data analysis, operational considerations, and additional theoretical development. (KR)