A MATLAB physical-optics RCS prediction code

POFACETS is an implementation of the Physical Optics approximation for predicting the radar cross section (RCS) of complex objects [1]. It utilizes the scientific computational features of MATLAB and its graphical-user-interface (GUI) functions to provide an error-free encoding of input parameters and efficient calculation of RCS. POFACETS,provides a convenient tool for a "first cut" at the RCS of complex shapes by representing its constituent parts by triangular facets. The software calculates the monostatic or bistatic RCS of the object for the parameters specified by the user, and displays plots for the model's geometry and its RCS. The latest version (POFACETS 3.0) features new options and tools for complex target design, and provides new computational capabilities, including the approximate effects of the ground, the exploitation of symmetry planes in targets, and the effects of materials and coatings [2]. The software is ideal for use by students on projects and for instruction. It has been used in the past by students in the Naval Postgraduate School's Aeronautical Engineering Department and Total Ship Systems Engineering Program to compute the RCS of their platform entries for student design competitions.