Welcome to the AMTA paper archive. Select a category, publication date or search by author.
(Note: Papers will always be listed by categories. To see ALL of the papers meeting your search criteria select the "AMTA Paper Archive" category after performing your search.)
Bistatic radar cross sections of targets are computed from field measurements on a cylindrical scan surface placed in the near field of the target. The measurements are carried out in a radio anechoic chamber with an incident plane-wave field generated by a compact-range reflector. The accuracy of the computed target far field is significantly improved by applying asymptotic edge-correction techniques that compensate for the effect of truncation at the top and bottom edges of the scan cylinder. The measured field on the scan cylinder is a “total” near field that includes the incident field, the field of the support structure, and the scattered field of the target. The background subtraction method determines an approximation for the scattered near field on the scan cylinder from two measurements of total near fields. The far fields of metallic sphere and rod targets are computed from experimental near-field data and the results are verified with reference solutions.
The National RCS Test Facility (NRTF) has designed, fabricated, and implemented an efficient and robust calibration procedure and test body applicable to pylon based monostatic RCS measurements. Our unique calibration test body provides physical separation between the calibration device and pylon allowing the pylon to be outside the range gate of the calibration device. This separation reduces the calibration device uncertainty due to target support contamination and interaction. Spectral analysis and feature extraction of rotational dihedral/dipole data allows further rejection of background noise and clutter that possess different angular dependencies from those of the dihedral/dipole. Due to the significant reduction in the achievable crosspolarization isolation that occurs with a small degree of positioning error in dihedral/dipole roll angle, a data driven search algorithm has been developed to select the two dihedral/dipole angles used by the polarimetric distortion compensation algorithm.
We introduce a new calibration standard geometry for use in a static RCS measurement system that can simultaneously offer multiple “exact” RCS values based on a simple azimuth rotation of the object. Called the “cam,” the new calibration device eliminates the problem of frequency nulls exhibited by other resonantsized cal devices by shifting the nulls through azimuthal rotation. Furthermore, the “cam” facilitates the use of dual-calibration RCS measurements without the need to mount a second cal standard. The “cam” is practical to fabricate and deploy; it is conducting, composed of flat and constant-radius singly-curved surfaces, and is compatible with standard pylon rotator mounts. High-accuracy computational results from moment-method modeling are presented to show the efficacy of the new standard.
Coherent radar cross section measurements on a target moving along the line-of-sight in free space will trace a circle centered on the origin of the complex (I,Q) plane. The presence of additional complex signals (such as background, clutter, target-mount interactions, etc.), which do not depend on target position, will translate the origin of the circle to some complex point (I0,Q0). This type of phase-dependent I-Q data has been successfully analyzed. However, the presence of outliers can introduce significant errors in the determination of the radius and center of the IQ circle. Hence, we implement a combination of a robust and efficient Least-Median Square (LMS) and an Orthogonal Distance Regression (ODR) algorithm is used (1) to eliminate or to reduce the influence of outliers, and then (2) to separate the target and background signals. This technique is especially useful at sub-wavelength translations at VHF, where spectral techniques are not applicable since only a limited arc of data is available. We analyze data obtained as an Arrow III target moves relative to its supporting pylon. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique, we introduce rf interference signals into S band data and show that the uncontaminated parameters can be recovered with acceptable uncertainties.
Over the past few years, range certification activities have become more commonplace, as industry, government and academia have embraced the process and acted to implement documented procedures at their facilities. There is now a significant amount of documentation laying out the process, as well as templates to assist ranges in developing their range books. To date, however, there have been fewer examples of useful tools to assist the ranges in better understanding how the process will affect their specific range. The authors have developed a first generation MATLAB toolbox designed to provide ranges a “what-if” capability to see the impact of specific range errors on the range’s operations. Included within the toolbox are several types of additive and multiplicative errors, as well as means of modeling various aspects of radar operation.
A single tapered resistive strip (R-Card) has been used in the past in several applications related to antenna designs and ground bounce reduction for far-field ranges. Several antenna designs use single tapered R-Card to significantly reduce the diffracted fields from the antenna to achieve low side lobe performance and also maintain stable phase center location across wide frequency bandwidth. Single layer R-Card fences have also been successfully designed and used to reduce the ground bounce stray signal in far field ranges. Recently, a multilayer tapered R-Card concept has been investigated and implemented in two different applications for interaction reduction due to performance requirements. One of the applications is to use multilayer R-Card fences to reduce the groundbounce effect between two antennas for GPS applications. The second application is to embed the multilayer R-Card with the Styrofoam target support column used in RCS measurements to reduce the interaction between the target-under-test and the metallic azimuth rotator underneath the Styrofoam column. In both applications, the multilayer R-Card concept, with different resistance distributions and proper spacing, has been designed and evaluated such that it behaves as an absorber to reduce the interference/interaction between two antennas or two scattering objects. The design and evaluation of this new multilayer R-Card concept will be presented in this paper.
System Planning Corporation (SPC) is pleased to announce our new instrumentation radar measurement system denoted the Cheetah radar line. This radar system is based around the new Agilent PNA series of network analyzers. The PNA operates from 0.1 to 67 GHz and is utilized for making gated CW or CW RCS and Antenna measurements. The PNA has a built in synthesizer that allows the unit to be used without costly external synthesizers and external mixers. The PNA also has four identical receiving channels, two signal and two reference, that permit simultaneous co and cross pol measurements to be made. PNA IF bandwidth is selectable from 1 Hz to 40 kHz to optimize measurement sensitivity, dynamic range and speed. Using the segmented sweep feature of the PNA a single frequency sweep can be broken into segments, to further optimize the sensitivity, dynamic range, and speed. Each segment can have its own start and stop frequency, frequency step size, IF BW and power level. SPC has developed the high speed RF gating, low noise RF preamplifiers and high speed digital timing system, which allow maximum sensitivity, full up gated CW or CW radar measurements using the PNA. SPC has coupled the system to the CompuQuest 1541 RCS and Antenna Data Acquisition and Data Analysis Processing Software. This exciting new product line offers reduced cost and improved performance over current network analyzer based systems using the HP 8530, 8510, etc. Performance improvements are in the reduced noise figure, sensitivity, dynamic range and measurement speed. Measurement speeds are increased by at least a magnitude of order over the older systems and in some cases a couple of orders of magnitude.
This paper describes the new ORBIT/FR StingRay Gated-CW radar implementation that provides both performance and speed improvements over those previously utilized and fielded in RCS measurement systems. The radar is implemented using one or multiple pulse modulators used to provide gating of the transmit and receive signals, in conjunction with the new class of Performance Network Analyzer recently introduced by Agilent Technologies. The radar features an order of magnitude improvement in speed over that previously offered using implementations with the Agilent 8510 or 8530 network analyzer/receiver. In addition, base sensitivity improvements are realized, and the radar is more flexible with user selection among many IF bandwidth settings now available. The physical profile of the radar is also improved, meaning that additional performance gains may be realized by creating a more efficient packaging scheme where the radar may be located closer to the radar antennas, either in a direct illumination configuration or in a compact range implementation. These factors, when considered in aggregate, result in the new ORBIT/FR StingRay Gated-CW radar offering that provides a higher performance-to-cost value trade-off than was previously available to the RCS measurement community.
We have investigated a method that reduces the vertical field taper at a ground-bounce radar crosssection range using a vertical antenna array. An experiment was designed were the coherent data from two measurement channels were independently recorded and stored for post processing. The two datasets were weighted and added in the postprocessing to form the extended zone with improved vertical field taper. Vertically distributed point scatterers on a special test object were used to aid in optimizing the method using imaging techniques. The method is evaluated using simulations and measurements. The usefulness of this method for RCS measurements of full-scale objects such as vehicles and aircraft is discussed. We find that the method can be used to reduce the vertical field taper over a wide frequency band in the way that theory predicts.
The Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement facility operated by the Stealth Materials Department of BAE SYSTEMS Advanced Technology Centre in the UK is an invaluable tool for the development of low observable (LO) materials and designs. Specifically, it permits the effect of signature control measures, when applied to a design, to be demonstrated empirically in terms of the impact on the RCS. The facility is operated within a 3m by 3m by 12m anechoic chamber where pseudo-monostatic, co-polar, stepped frequency data for a target can be collected in a single measurement run over a frequency range of 2- 18GHz, and for a range of azimuth and elevation angles using a Vector Network Analyser (VNA). The data recorded consists of the complex voltage reflection coefficients (VRC) for the chosen range of aspect angles. This includes data for the target, mount, calibration object, and the associated calibration object mounting where significant. All data processing is conducted offline using a bespoke post processing software routine which implements software time domain gating of the raw data transformed into the time domain prior to calibration. The significant sources of type A (random) and B (systematic) uncertainties for the range are identified, grouped, and an approach to the determination of an uncertainty budget for the complex S21 data is presented. The method is based upon the UKAS M3003 guidelines for the treatment of uncertainties that may be expressed by the use of real, rather than complex numbers. However, a method of assessment of the uncertainties in both real and imaginary parts of the complex data is presented. Finally, the uncertainties estimated for the raw VRC data collected are propagated through the calibration and the uncertainty associated with the complex RCS of a simple target is presented.
This work is part of the UK Ministry of Defence initiative to examine causes of uncertainties in RCS measurements and to establish a network of certified facilities. Having developed a ‘best practice’ guide where causes of uncertainty were listed, the effect of polar diagram was selected as a priority topic. Correction algorithms for RCS measurements require knowledge of the beam shape and resolution in crossrange of the significant scatterers. Accordingly, the accuracy of polar diagram measurement, the effect of amplitude ripple and the applicability of the correction algorithms to near-field data were addressed. Measurements were made on two targets, a long cylinder and a small aircraft. Two antennas and two ranges were used to achieve 1dB, 3dB and 6dB illumination tapers across the cylinder. The 6dB taper situation was modelled for three different numbers of points. The work demonstrated that polar diagram effects are significant for point scatterers or simple targets, like the cylinder; however, for the small aircraft with a large number of distributed scatterers, the overall effect is less significant.
Radar systems that use pulsed waveforms for detection can be adversely affected by target returns whose round-trip time of flight is longer than the radar’s interpulse period. Unless techniques such as pulse repetition frequency (PRF) jitter or pulse phase encoding are employed, the receiver has no way of determining whether a target’s range is accurate. If this radar system is being used to collect radar cross section (RCS) data, the range ambiguities may exhibit themselves as clutter and cause unacceptable levels of data contamination. A Gated Linear FM Homodyne (gated LFMH) radar modulates its transmitted signal during the time of an individual chirp, or frequency sweep, which leads to two distinct PRFs; the chirp PRF and the interchirp pulse PRF. The chirp PRF is typically very low, on the order of tens to hundreds of chirps per second, and therefore insignificant with respect to range ambiguities. It is the interchirp pulse PRF that is typically of sufficient rate to factor significantly in the processing of data collected with range ambiguities present. This paper provides analysis of the effects of range ambiguities in a typical gated LFMH radar that occur during wideband RCS data collections. In addition, a method for optimizing the radar system parameters through the prediction of the range ambiguities will be shown.
To determine the radar cross section of full-scale objects in their operational environment, and for doing countermeasure evaluations, a radar measurement system has been developed. The system is mobile and flexible and can hence be placed in different surroundings. Its main objective is to make trustworthy and accurate measurements of the RCS of ground-, seaand air targets. This is achieved by a calibration procedure that is performed in connection to all measurements. The measurement system is well suited for RCS measurements in dynamic scenarios. The system can transmit radar signals that resemble the signals of existing threat systems. This property together with the fact that the system at the same time measures both the RCS of the target and the effects of ECM make the system well suited for ECM evaluation. Measurements have been made of many different types of targets on land, at sea and in the air. Different types of ECM, e.g. chaff, has also been evaluated.
In this paper, the use of a low cost compact RCS measurement system is described, aimed at the characterisation of superstructure details. This system has been installed in a large room available within a shipyard, so that the measurement process is quite simple and efficient, even though under near-field conditions. Results are relevant to radar images and RCS, and can be used for the selection of details, for the optimisation of their backscattering and/or their installation process, and for the improvement of simulation codes. Comparison with simulations is also reported.
The ability to perform radar cross section (RCS) measurements, where background subtraction is applied, requires a measurement system that is very stable throughout the measurement time span. Background subtraction allows the measurement of low RCS components mounted in high RCS test bodies by permitting the scattering from the test body to be removed by coherently subtracting the test body (background) RCS from the target RCS measurement. Amplitude and phase variation of the illumination signal between the time that the target and background measurements are performed will limit the quality of subtraction achievable. Modern instrumentation radars can maintain extraordinary stability when exposed to controlled temperature environments, but controlling the temperature of a large compact range can be difficult. Other components of the measurement system, such as the reflector, can also be influenced by temperature fluctuations. Methods of controlling the thermal environment can have significant consequences. Lessons learned in the Advanced Compact Range at the Air Force Research Laboratory will be described.
SOLANGE is a large RCS indoor measurement facility operated at SHF and V/UHF frequencies. In the V/UHF band, couplings between the target and the walls can be exhibited. These perturbations due to non-directive transmitting/receiving antenna, and non-absorbing walls must be eliminated to derive the intrinsic response of the target. To reduce their levels CELAR introduced smart methods («SAV »: Site Altitude Variable and « EAV »: Environnement Altitude Variable): the transmitting/receiving antenna (and also the target in the EAV method) is translated along the elevation axis, and the acquired data are averaged. CELAR and CEA collaborated to qualify the chamber in the U/VHF band. The aim of the study is to identify and quantify the error sources, and to suggest some improvements. The analysis, based on RCS measurements of canonical targets, includes data processing (clutter reduction) and evaluation of the effects of SAV and EAV on the couplings. A theoretical algorithm is used to assess the performances of the processing, and to optimize measurement altitudes. It introduces an analytical model for the antenna and its images with respect to the walls, and calculates the scattered near field. This study enabled us to suggest improvements in the parameters of the processing, as well as in the RCS facility configuration.
In 2001, the Boeing 9-77 Indoor Compact Range successfully passed the range certification process. In preparation and during the On-Site Review in October 2001, RCS data on a pair of ultraspheres for the dualcalibration were collected. In this paper, we analyzed the data with regard to uncertainty analysis. An empirical approach for compensating the systematic error is presented.
When making large scale RCS measurements on a ground bounce range, EPS foam columns are frequently used as target support structures for test bodies and air vehicles. Thus, the design of foam columns is a key part in preparing for a large-scale outdoor test. Range engineers require foam column design methods and tools that are both efficient and reliable. This paper describes effective foam column design methods and shows comparisons of predicted column RCS to column measurements performed at NRTF. These comparisons give credibility to the concept of foam column modeling and ground bounce range scattering simulations, and give range engineers confidence in their foam column design process.
Tapered chambers have long been used for far-field antenna and RCS measurements. Conventional taper chambers used commercial antennas such as horns or log-period dipoles as wave launchers. One problem of this approach is the movement of the phase center associated with the antenna design. The positioning of the antenna inside the chamber is also critical. Undesired target-zone amplitude and phase distortion are caused by the scattering from the absorber walls. A novel feed antenna design for a tapered chamber is proposed here to provide broadband and dual polarization capabilities. This design integrates the absorber and the conducting walls behind the absorbers into to ensure a stationary phase center over a wider frequency range. In such a design, the dielectric constant of the absorber is utilized to maintain a clean phase front and a single incident wave at high frequencies. The conductivity of the absorber is also utilized to shape the field distribution at low frequencies. As a result, a wider frequency range can achievable for a given chamber size. One trade-off of this design is its reduced efficiency could be associated with the absorber absorption. Some simulation results from a 3-D FDTD model of a prototype design will be presented.
Target support pylons and foam columns have been in use since the late 1970’s to provide target support for RCS measurements. Pylons currently limit our low frequency measurement capability due to the moderately high scattering from the pylon edges. Additionally both foam column and pylon support structures interact with the target scattering which can limit our ability to completely subtract the target support scattering from the target signature data. Target suspension using a string support system has the potential to eliminate these limitations. MRC has recently completed a string support technology demonstration program to identify the critical components for implementing an indoor string support system for RCS measurements. Critical components identified and demonstrated under this program included a survey of string materials for RCS measurements, development of low coefficient of friction swivel bearings, structural target to string interfaces, and three different techniques for providing target rotation. This presentation will highlight the results from the demonstration program showing viability of string support systems to provide an enhanced RCS measurement capability for indoor RCS measurement ranges