Radar Cross Section Testing for Modeling and Simulations

The objective of the proposal is to conduct theoretical research and development related to the expedited radar cross section (RCS) testing to determine the merit and technical feasibility of proposed concept. In Phase I ANDRO/Alion team proposes adapting techniques drawn from real-time electronic warfare counter-measure systems, multi-threat response and characterization where direct use of short duration, stepped Linear Frequency Modulated pulses in conjunction with stretch processing detection. These approaches support the objective of maximizing signal to noise ratio (SNR) while minimizing the amount of processed data. The primary goal is to identify and optimize measurement techniques which expedite RCS data acquisition while supporting in-situ data processing in a typical near-field measurement arrangement that maximize the SNR and reduce the amount of averaging over the greatest span of frequencies.This approach comprises a trade study on current pulse widths, bandwidths, round trip times and SNR, study of those parameters to estimate potential improvement in the data acquisition speed as well as component modeling using available software tools such as ANDRO E3Expert and MATLAB. The trade study along with software models of RCS test components will allow a technical assessment of proposed strategies to take place.Approved for Public Release | 17-MDA-9395(24 Oct 17)