Design and Operation of a Wideband RCS Measurement System

This paper concerns an experimental Radar Cross Section (RCS) measuring equipment intended for use against a wide variety Of full scale radar targets. A single frequency tracking radar, operating on a conscan principle, acquires the target and provides accurate target tracking in range, azimuth and elevation. The `measurement´ radar system covers I/J band and operates over a wide range of pulse widths and linear polarisations. Calibration is achieved using a free space reflective sphere which provides an absolute RCS reference independent of polarisation and frequency. A central computer fulfills the system control and data processing functions. Some typical results are presented to illustrate system capability against surface targets.