Highlights: a suite of codes for radar cross section and target echo strength prediction

The ability to predict the scattering of electromagnetic and acoustic waves from structures whose dimensions are large in relation to the wavelength is an important element in the design of a stealthy warship. Above water, one is concerned with the radar cross section (RCS), while below water it is the target echo strength (TES) that needs to be controlled. The large scale and geometric complexity of typical ship structures has led to scale model testing rather than computation being the traditional means by which ship designers have validated and compared design options. Computational techniques that can address the key features of a ship´s RCS are now being developed as the advances in the power of modern computers makes such calculations a practical and cost effective proposition. This paper describes a suite of codes, called `Highlights´, that has been developed to provide rapid prediction of the scattered field strengths in both the electromagnetic and acoustic situations, while keeping in mind the needs of the modern warship design process. Thus, in addition RCS and TES calculations, Highlights provides an interface to CAD systems to facilitate data input and also visual, diagnostic, information that directly identifies the dominant scattering bodies. These facilities greatly enhance the integration of such specialist analysis into the design process