Analytical characterization of a Bruderhedral calibration target model

Abstract

The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has constructed a variation of the bruderhedral calibration and radar cross section (RCS) target model and measured its radar characteristics in the field. A computer version of the same model was generated, and later characterized in both elevation and azimuth for validation. Our goal is to develop a millimeter-wave (MMW) signature generation tool for guidance integrated fuzing (GIF) systems and applications. Before realizing this goal, one must develop a test-bed of tools and approaches upon which to build. ARL has identified approaches to developing generic analytical target-signature models based on some existing electromagnetic scattering codes. A high-frequency RCS and signature prediction software model was selected to perform the radar analysis and provide a mechanism, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) model, for recognizing prominent scatterers off high-fidelity target models. This method will assist us in creating suitable far- to near-field 3-D transitional models at MMW frequencies. Two target model descriptions were used in the signature prediction model: a flat facet format and a curved surface format. This paper introduces these software models, and some optics and SAR considerations relating to the test wavelength and the size of the target. Also, the simulated azimuthal and elevation response patterns, along with some results from the SAR model, are presented.