Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In this paper, a 3D-printed S-Band corrugated horn antenna with X-Band radar cross section (RCS) reduction is investigated. This work demonstrates effective RCS reduction at the X-band through the application of the phase cancellation principle. Specifically, the corrugated horn antenna is partitioned into eight identical sections, with three discrete height offsets introduced between them. The reflection phase cancellation, which can be attained through the path difference introduced by a designed height step among different regions, leads directly to a consequent suppression of scattered waves. The proposed low-RCS corrugated horn antenna is monolithically fabricated using stereolithography appearance (SLA) 3D printing technology, followed by a surface metallization process. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed antenna operates over the frequency band of 2.34–3.3 GHz in the S-band with good impedance matching, exhibiting a peak gain of 11.7 dB. Furthermore, the monostatic RCS of the antenna under normal incidence for both x- and y-polarizations exhibits a significant reduction of over 10 dB within the frequency range of 8.7–12.0 GHz and 8.2–12.0 GHz, respectively. This indicates that effective stealth performance is achieved across the majority of the X-band. The proposed design integrates exceptional out-of-band RCS reduction, low cost, light weight, and high efficiency, making it a promising candidate for radar stealth system applications.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app152211921
Authors: Baihong Chi, Zhuqiong Lai, Sifan Wu, Yuanxi Cao, Jianxing Li
Institutions: Xi'an Jiaotong University, Space Engineering University
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Awards: G1572506951, G3812162862
OpenAlex ID: W4416066248
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