This is the second edition of the first and foremost book on this subject for self-study, training, and course work. Radar cross section (RCS) is a comparison of two radar signal strengths. One is the strength of the radar beam sweeping over a target, the other is the strength of the reflected echo sensed by the receiver. This book shows how the RCS “gauge” can be predicted for theoretical objects and how it can be measured for real targets. Predicting RCS is not easy, even for simple objects like spheres or cylinders, but this book explains the two “exact” forms of theory so well that even a novice will understand enough to make close predictions.
Weapons systems developers are keenly interested in reducing the RCS of their platforms. The two most practical ways to reduce RCS are shaping and absorption. This book explains both in great detail, especially in the design, evaluation and selection of radar absorbers. There is also great detail on the design and employment of indoor and outdoor test ranges for scale models or for full-scale targets (such as aircraft).
In essence, this book covers everything you need to know about RCS, from what it is, how to predict and measure, how to test targets (indoors and out) and how to beat it.
An introduction to the rather broad field of the echo characteristics of radar targets. Intended to acquaint engineers, scientists, and program managers with what may be a new and unfamiliar discipline. DLC: Radar.
About the Author
Eugene F. Knott received his MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1966. He spent 16 years at the University of Michigan Radiation Laboratory conducting RCS measurements of lab models and developing RCS prediction models and moved on to the Georgia Institute of Technology extending similar models and conducting feasibility programs. Hi entire career has been spent in RCS-related programs.
John F. Shaeffer has a Ph.D. in physics and was a manager in the Low Observables Engineering Program for the Lockheed-Georgia Possum Works. He was a research scientist at the Georgia Tech. Research Institute; where this book was originally developed along with the first RCS short course, and was a cofounder of Marietta Scientific, Inc.
Michael T. Tuley earned his MS in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1972. He spent 26 years at Georgia Tech. conducting research in RCS, RCSR and radar system performance. In 1998 he joined the Institute for Defense Analyses where he provides analysis support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Defense Agencies and the Joint Commands. In 1997 he was elected a Fellow of the IEEE for his contributions to cross section technology.
