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A method is presented that gives a 3D ISAR image from a 2D measurement. An ordinary 2D image is created. An extra receive channel is used to give height information in every pixel. This channel gets its signal from two extra receive antennas with different elevation lobes. The antennas feed a hybrid which creates a difference signal that goes to the extra receive channel. Height information is derived like in an amplitude comparison monopulse radar. This way a height number is assigned to every pixel in the 2D image. Thus a 3D image is created. It is required that in a 2D resolution cell the reflexes come from only one height. If not, the height information given by the difference signal will be a weighted average of the heights of the reflexes. The method is applied to a ground plane RCS range. No measurements have yet been performed.
A waterline bistatic algorithm, based on the exact near field to far field transformation (NFFFT) and previously exercised on numerical data, is here applied to actual measured data taken at a traditional RCS range reconfigured for near field measurements. The resulting far field predictions for a lOA and 20A conesphere were initially worse than expected. Further examination of the data yielded two important observations. First, the data were found to have relative alignment errors from set to set, leading to a significant broadening of the predicted far field peaks. Second, a few data sets exhibited a constant phase offset inconsistent with the other measured data. This paper discusses the detection of the data misregistration issues highlighted above, along with their ad hoc correction. Predictions are give for the waterline bistatic NFFFT algorithm applied to the measured near field data, both before and after the corrections have been applied. The results are compared with analogous results for numerical input data.
This paper deals with High Resolution (HR) Filtering. Extracting the frequency dependence of radar scatterers is a common task in Radar Cross Section Analysis (RCS). This is usually achieved with signal processing tools like finite impulse response filters allowing filtering in the range domain. However, when range resolution is poor, it becomes impossible to extract the exact feature since it is not deconvolved in the range domain. We thus propose to use HR methods to overcome these difficulties. These methods are applied to estimate the frequency response of the creeping wave of a small sphere. The results show good agreement with the theoretical response.
Instrumentation Radar systems evolution includes improved stability. Metrologists know frequency within Hertz. Amplitude and Phase variations are low. Ranges check drift with reference systems. Still, with increased capability, expectations of accuracy have increased. Todays instrumentation makes analysis of stability factors practical. This study analyzes Radar Cross Section (RCS) return of a stable target under controlled conditions. Methodology will be an analysis of a constant RCS target return. The target is a stable object at a typical measurement site. Data points are at several discrete frequencies in bands between S and Ku. This study sample is a set of data taken over a 87 hour span with several duty factors. Duty factors will range from minimal 0.1% to 1.5%, near the 2% maximum for the output amplifiers. Acquisition times for data sets are chosen for outdoor temperatures ranging from hot -- desert afternoon -- through cool in the early morning. This data will be analyzed statistically. If statistical correlations exist, analysis will quantify factor contributions with multiple linear regression. Hypothesis: Drift does not correlate to variables such as duty factor, & temperature.
Recently, we proposed a new method for the testing of antennas or the measurement of RCS in submillimeter wave region. A specific feature of this technique resides in that investigated object or its scaled model is mounted inside a quasi-optical waveguide in the form of a circular hollow dielectric waveguide (HDW) so as to determine the scattering parameter of the waveguide dominant HE11 mode which is certainly related to the wanted RCS of the object under study. In this paper, we intend to theoretically substantiate the proposed method for measuring RCS inside a circular HDW by using geometrical optical ray representation of guided modes and "virtual" waveguide concept. Then, a correspondence between RCS of an object inside a HDW and in a free space is established. Also, RCS of reference objects such as a perfectly conducting square flat plate inside a circular HDW are measured and compared with predicted returns in free space.
ORBIT/FR has recently installed and qualified a combined microwave (2-18 GHz) and millimeter wave (92.5-95.5 GHz) RCS system in an existing compact range based chamber. The facility is used for scale model reflectivity measurements on a wide variety of targets. The system features a unique, high power hardware gating system at the millimeter wave band that contains an integrated compact range feed assembly specifically designed to optimize RCS performance. Changeover between the microwave and millimeter wave bands is possible by placement of the appropriate compact range feed assembly on the feed stand, with locating pins being utilized to assure repeatable performance of the feeds in the compact range system. The system utilizes the FR959 RCS Measurement Workstation and HP 8530/85330 "turbo" based receiver system. Appropriate upconversion and downconversion hardware is integrated into the millimeter wave gating system to allow a common set of HP 8360 series sources and the HP 8530 IF receiver to be utilized for operation in both bands. The system is capable of producing high quality ISAR images at the millimeter wave frequencies, as well as in the microwave band.
ORBIT/FR has recently delivered an integrated facility capable of being used for Antenna, Radar Cross Section (RCS), and EMI measurements to the Naval Underwater Warfare Center in Newport, RI. The facility includes a shielded anechoic chamber, a compact range system capable of producing a 6 foot diameter quiet zone, multi-axis positioning equipment, and a complete complement of Antenna, RCS, and EMI measurement instrumentation and data collection hardware/software. The facility is capable of operation over a frequency range of 100 MHz to 50 GHz, with compact range operation feasible above 2 GHz. The facility can be reconfigured to go between antenna and RCS measurements in any band using both frequency band and antenna/RCS mode switching. In addition, automatic positioning of the appropriate compact range feed to the reflector focal point is available. EMI measurements require minimal relocation of absorber in an isolated area of the chamber floor. Performance of the system is optimized by location of critical RF equipment on the compact range feed carousel or on the positioning system rail carriage. This system offers a unique combination of performance and convenience for making all three types of measurements.
This paper discusses Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement capability at Very High Frequencies (VHF) in the Boeing 9-77 Range in Seattle, Washington. This indoor facility provides a unique asset to the RCS measurement community. Initially operational in 1989, the 9-77 Range was upgraded in 1995 to include a VHF measurement capability. This was achieved using a 56 foot square array of 256 elements, for RCS measurements at frequencies from approximately 140 to 220 MHz, with a 40 foot quiet zone. In this paper, we discuss results from the characterization process used to verify the initial capability and ongoing operation of the RCS measurement system at VHF. We include data demonstrating the sensitivity, stability and dynamic range of the system. We also present samples of recent field probes, and background subtraction and stability measurements. A comparison is made between calculated and measured canonical target signatures.
Range characterization is becoming a very important topic for the operators of RCS measurement ranges. Techniques for characterization can be expensive and time consuming. We present a top down approach that recognizes that the range construction and optimization is the responsibility of the range operators. Once the range is operating satisfactorily from the point of view of the range operator, then characterization of t he range performance as achieved can be done. Measurements are proposed that perform this characterization rapidly and inexpensively.
Recently, several deployable, ground-to-ground col lection systems have been developed for the assessment of aircraft RCS on the flight-line. The majority of these systems require bulky rail or scanning hardware in order to collect diagnostic imaging data. The measurement technique described in this paper, while not a "cure-all", does eliminate the need for bulky hardware by allowing the collection system to move freely around the target while collecting radar backscattering data. In addition, a nearfield-to-farfield transformation (NFFFT) algorithm is incorporated in the process to allow the collection of scattering data collected in the near field to be processed and evaluated in the far field. The techniques described in this paper are a part of a data conditioning process which improves the data quality and utility for subsequent analysis by an automated diagnostic system described elsewhere in this proceedings [1]. The techniques are described and demonstrated on numerically simulated and experimentally measured data.
The RATSCAT radar cross section (RCS) measurement facility at Holloman AFB, NM is working to satisfy DoD and customer desires for certified RCS data. This paper discusses the low frequency characterization of the RATSCAT VHF/UHF Measurement System (RVUMS). The characterization was conducted on a portable pit with a 30' foam column at the RAMS site. System noise, clutter, backgrounds and generic target measurements are presented and discussed. Potential error sources are examined. The use of background subtraction and full polarimetric calibration are presented. Potential errors, which can occur from using certain cross-pol calibration techniques, are discussed. The phase relationship between each polarization components of the scattering matrix and cross-pol validation techniques are considered.
We describe an imaging technique which allows the isolation of sources of unwanted radiation on an antenna/RCS range. The necessary data may be collected by using a roll-over azimuth mount to scan a probe over a spherical measurement surface.
Gain calibration of circular horns and radiation pattern integration applying patterns in two principle planes only is accurate and does not require large computational or measurement effort. This technique is thus more practical than the integration over the entire angular domain, required in case of rectangular horns. However, for many types of AUT’s, additional errors may occur due to the differences in aperture size of the AUT and standard gain horn. The AUT will in many cases have physically larger aperture dimensions. Consequently, unknown test-zone field variations across this aperture can result in additional errors in gain determination. The new method uses a flat plate as a reference target. An RCS measurement of the flat plate is used to derive test-zone field characteristics over the same physical area as the AUT. Combined with the accurate gain calibration described above, field information is available over the entire area of interest and the accuracy in gain determination is increased. In this paper, experimental results and practical considerations of the method will be presented.
At last year’s conference we presented the discrete implementation of an image-based near field to far field transform (IB-NFFFT) for predicting far field radar cross-section (RCS) from spherically-scanned near field measurements, along with some preliminary transform results using numerically-simulated data. This paper quantifies this expected performance in terms of the RCS prediction error (RMS dB difference) using numerically-simulated data for two ten wavelength-long canonical bodies, a thin wire and a conesphere. It will be shown that for the highly-resonant wire target, the NFFFT’s algorithm performance is limited by the multiple interactions resulting from the travelling wave reflections between the end of the wire, except at near broadside aspect angles. Conversely, very good performance is obtained for the conesphere at nearly all aspect angles, except very close to nose and tail-on. We will also shown that the IB-NFFFT algorithm performance is robust with respect to clutter and scan angle coverage.
The designer of a linear-FM homodyne RCS measurement system must consider the nonlinearity present in the chirp waveform. Two basic methods employed in obtaining the chirp waveform are to apply either a digital ramp or an analog ramp to a YIG oscillator source. Nonlinearity can occur as the result of the characteristics of the YIG oscillator and the applied ramp waveform. The point spread functions useful in characterizing the performance of both the digital and analog ramp excited YIG oscillator systems are given. Both range resolution and dynamic range of the measurement system are dependent on the target range and can be adversely effected by the nonlinearity. Theory shows that the point spread function of a digital ramp is suitable for short range RCS measurements. However the analog ramp system has improved performance at extended range. By using the analog ramp, we have been able to improve performance of RCS measurements over the digital ramp. Experimental data from both the digital and analog ramp systems are provided.
So far, Azimuth-over-Elevation rotators on RCS pylon tips were of large size (typically 10” for 500 lb. load, over 2’ for a 6000 lb. load). Therefore, RCS measurements of small but heavy targets were very difficult if not impossible to perform. The new design supports loads of 5,000 lb. with an Azimuth turntable diameter of only 136 mm, close to the pylon’s maximum width. The Azimuth and Elevation axes mechanisms are hidden inside the pylon body. The Azimmuth rotator is mounted on the top surface of the elevation main plate. The Elevation plate is attached to the pylon tip on one side and on the other side to the actuator, which is attached to the base of the tip. The actuator drives the Elevation plate to the required rotation angle. Even with its small size, the new design does not compromise on performance. The Azimuth axis moves a full 360° continuous motion at 22 deg/min with 0.03° accuracy, 0.03° backlash and 0.01° repeatability. The Elevation axis moves in a 0°-40° sector at 1.5 deg/min with 0.05° accuracy, 0.05° backlash and 0.01° repeatability.
It is possible to build a very inexpensive radar which transmits wide band radio noise. On receive, the signal is cross correlated with a delayed version of the transmitted signal. In this paper we will discuss the design and operation of a UWB noise radar which was installed in the OSU compact RCS measurement range. Scattering measurements were made for a number of targets over 360 degrees of aspect angle. Calibration was performed, and then the data converted to ISAR images. Example ISAR images will be shown.
The U.S. Air Force is currently building deployable Diagnostic Imaging Radar (DIR) systems to perform quality control (QC) low-observable (LO) measurements of the F-117 fighter. Each system is a stepped-pulse frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) built by System Planning Corporation (SPC) combined with analytical software developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for generating radar images that will be interpreted to ensure LO integrity. The DIR systems will be used at fixed operating sites such as the F-117A main operating base, the F-117A maintenance depot, and any sites worldwide to which the aircraft may deploy. The F-117A DIR is the first field-level deployable radar cross section (RCS) measurement system for an operational weapon platform that is designed for use by the maintenance squadron. This paper discusses the critical issues of QC measurements for LO systems. It also describes the test requirements that are driving the development of DIR, and highlights the radar and SAR positioner requirements. Also presented is an overview of the diagnostic software and the algorithms used for detecting RCS anomalies and predicting maintenance actions for problem correction by flight-line crews.
Millimeter Wave (MMW) Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurements of full scale ground vehicles are used to develop and validate scattering models for smart weapons applications (target detection, discrimination and classification algorithms) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) missile simulations. This paper describes a series of MMW RCS measurements performed at Range C-52, Eglin AFB FL on a T-72M in a field environment using an exiting instrumentation radar (with slight modifications to allow for accurate height adjustment) and in-scene phase reference. The test methodology, instrumentation systems, 3-D Imaging Algorithm and sample data sets at 35 and 95 GHz will be presented as well as a detailed sensitivity analysis and discussion of error effects.
In recent years there has been much interest in developing low frequency radar cross section (RCS) measurement capability indoors. Some of the principal reasons for an indoor environment are high security, all-weather 24-hour operation, and low cost. This paper describes recent efforts to implement VHF/UHF RCS measurement capability down to 100 MHz using the large compact-range collimator in the Bistatic Anechoic Chamber (BAC) at Point Mugu. The process leading to this capability has given rise to a number of technical insights that govern successful test results. An emphasis is placed on calibration and processing methodology and on measurement validation using long cylindrical targets and comparing the results with method-of-moment computer predictions and with measurements made at other facilities.