Radar Cross Section Measurements of Small Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems in Non-Cooperative Field Environments

The growing use of Unmanned Air Vehicle Systems (UAVS) is drawing increased interest in their radar signature to search and track radars. Because it is not always possible to transport UAVS to Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement facilities, a portable RCS measurement system has been developed and demonstrated in non-cooperative field environments. This paper presents the portable RCS measurement system design and results of RCS tests on UAVS conducted in three countries. The paper discusses methods used to overcome challenges of RCS measurements in non-ideal environments. The technical staff of the Radar Reflectivity Laboratory (RRL), located at NAVAIR's Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), Point Mugu, California, developed the portable wideband RCS measurement system, and conducted the tests in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia under The Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) for UAVS and Aerial Targets collaborative technology development program.