RCS Aspects of Multi-Band Radar Systems Composed of "VHF," L" and "X" Band Radars

Abstract

An essential characteristic of any radar target is the measure of its ability to reflect energy to the receiving antenna. The parameter used to describe this ability is the radar cross section (RCS) of the target. Stealth techniques and technologies, which affect the efficiency of early warning radar systems currently in operation, are described in ref [1]. The problem is to find countermeasures that fully integrate new requirement capabilities into the current long-range radar net and infrastructure, keeping research & development, and maintenance costs, low. The netcentric approach recently proposed in ref [2] using VHF-based multi-band radar systems is a new concept for Recognized Air Picture production based on long-range radars, which offers a powerful solution for the surveillance of large areas at a reasonable cost. Target RCS behaviour, fluctuations due to aspect angle and frequency are of particular interest in these systems, because the antenna beam positioning of the "VHF", "L" (or "S") and "X" band radars should be synchronised in azimuth and elevation. Targets could change orientation, course and kinematical characteristics during the time required for beam positioning. Advance knowledge and accurate prediction of target RCS is therefore desirable in order to design and develop efficient (robust) discrimination algorithms for the optimisation of target detection, tracking and non-cooperative target recognition. This paper reviews the target RCS aspects in current radar systems of interest, and examines RCS behaviour for use in future multi-band radar system applications.