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Tool 06

Reference Target RCS

Compute reference RCS values for spheres, trihedral corner reflectors, and flat plates in dBsm, with frequency sweep comparison.

Parameters

Choose the reference target type, then enter frequency and the target dimensions. For plates and trihedrals, use dimensions aligned to the broadside/reference orientation.

Target Type
Frequency
Sphere Diameter

Frequency sweep

Custom Data Step applies to Linear X scale; Log X uses automatic logarithmic points.

Reference Values

Frequency [GHz]
10.000
Wavelength [mm]
29.979
Sphere Diameter
100.000 mm

Formulas

Sphere RCS

The RCS of a conducting sphere in the optical region is approximated by its projected area.

σsphere=πr2\sigma_{sphere} = \pi r^2

Trihedral corner reflector RCS

Approximate RCS for a boresight-aligned trihedral corner reflector.

σtrihedral=4πa43λ2\sigma_{trihedral} = \frac{4\pi a^4}{3\lambda^2}

Rectangular plate broadside RCS

Approximate flat-plate RCS for broadside incidence/reflection.

σplate=4πA2λ2\sigma_{plate} = \frac{4\pi A^2}{\lambda^2}

dBsm Conversion

Convert linear RCS in square meters to dBsm.

σdBsm=10log⁡10(σm2)\sigma_{dBsm} = 10\log_{10}(\sigma_{m^2})

These formulas are first-order reference target calculations based on boresight alignment and high-frequency/optical-region approximations.