Apparent radar cross section of a large target illuminated by a surface wave above the sea

Abstract

Classical assesssment of the received power by a radar leads to a decorrelation of many relevant phenomena (i.e. propagation, backscattering), which may introduce modelling errors notably in the presence of large target with respect to the wavelength. To overcome this limitation, a new hybrid approach is proposed. It combines a method of propagation calculation (the parabolic wave equation) with a method of scattering calculation (the EFIE solved by a method of moment approach) and an application of the reciprocity principle (the power coupling factor). Each method constituting the hybrid approach is described; the example of a large cargo is chosen and its apparent RCS is evaluated above the sea at low frequency. The results are discussed, studying the influence of the different parts of the boat on the apparent RCS.