Investigation of the Effects of Target Feature Variations on Ballistic Missile RCS

摘要

Uncertainties about certain features of target geometries can result in a loss of confidence in target signature assessment. This thesis describes the development of a general 'rule-of-thumb' to determine how the radar signature of a target varies as a function of the target's specific features. The targets of interest in this study are fictitious ballistic missiles. Four target features of these missiles are investigated: fin size, nose cone shape, panel riveting along the sides of the missile, and heat shielding on the nose cone. By varying these target features in different missile configurations, and comparing them to each other, a relationship between specific target features and their effect on radar cross section can be obtained. This method makes it possible to estimate a range of possible values of a ballistic missile's radar signature. The methodology will give users of signature data a better understanding of target characteristics when complete knowledge of the target's configuration is unavailable.