Adpative Antenna Array for Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurements

This research involves methods and hardware required to adaptively synthesize an optimized array pattern for performing RCS measurements at the RATSCAT ground-bounce radar range. By adaptively adjusting the array element weighting, shaping the illumination pattern throughout the target quiet zone is possible. This causes more incident field energy to illuminate the target, while less energy illuminates the target supports and other sources of clutter. Theoretical and computer modeling of the ground-bounce range shall be performed, simulating the effects of the array and aiding the optimization procedure.The optimization procedure involes both simulated clutter sources and field probe methods. The feasibility for practical application shall be investigated,with recommendations covering the hardware implementation of the adaptive array system at RATSCAT.