The Jet Fighter Radar Cross Section

Two jet fighter models, 1/8th of original size, have been measured in the "radar range" installed in the anechoic chamber of the Armament Technology and Procurement Group in Berne. The measurements have been made at a frequency of 40 GHz (5 GHz for full scale), with an accuracy of ± 2 dB and a dynamic range of 80 dB. The statistical distribution of the radar cross section has been calculated with the help of a computer, based on the measured data. The detection probability has been calculated with the help of a correlation procedure. This procedure allows explanation of the symmetry relation between the detection probability and the cumulative distribution of the radar cross section, and of a well-known characteristic of the median value of the radar cross section. A statistical model is proposed for the distribution of the radar cross section of jet fighters, consisting of the distribution of a spheroid in which each element itself exhibits a Rayleigh fluctuation. This model presents a certain number of interesting characteristics, and there is an acceptable degree of coincidence with the measured values.