Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: A free space test method to measure the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of single dipole elements is presented. The method is such that dipoles can be measured over a large range of frequencies, in free space and without the need of an anechoic chamber. The setup employs with a Vector Network Analyser (VNA) synchronised to a rotating turntable that controls the position of the transmitting and receiving antennas and the polarisation of the irradiated electric field. Measurements are collected for chaff dipoles made of copper wire, microwire and aluminised glass, from 5 to 11 GHz, to allow a comparison of chaff RCS properties with respect to chaff material and method of fabrication. Measurements of the copper wire chaff also allowed a comparison with existing theoretical predictions of chaff reflectivity. An analysis and a comparison of the results is presented. Results show that the experimental trends of the chaff RCS curves agree with the theoretical RCS curves for perfectly conducting wires. They also show that copper wire provides the strongest reflective chaff followed by the aluminised glass and the microwire.
Source: IET Radar Sonar & Navigation
DOI: 10.1049/rsn2.12654
Authors: Alessio Balleri, Brian Butters
Institutions: Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,470
Award: G3189419616
OpenAlex ID: W4403558827