Measurements on aircraft echoes using wideband pulse-compression radar

This paper describes measurements designed to study the effect of very short pulses on aircraft echoes. A method is described for making simultaneous comparative echoing-area measurements on aircraft in flight, for different pulse durations. Experimental results indicate a reduction in echoing area as the resolution cell becomes small compared with the aircraft dimensions. Photographs of high-resolution video responses are given for three types of aircraft. Separate radar returns from different parts of the airframe can be clearly distinguished.