RADAR CROSS SECTION TARGET SUPPORTS: METAL COLUMNS AND SUSPENSION DEVICES

Abstract : The shielded metal column program was devoted specifically to the investigation of errors in cross section measurement resulting from the use of a large, hydraulically actuated metal target support at the RAT SCAT Site. The analytical model used and the factors taken into consideration in arriving at a test program for use in evaluating shielding techniques for the metal target support are described in this report. The suspension target support program was an experimental program carried out by Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory. A scale ground plane range was used to simulate low-frequency operation on the RAT SCAT range. Most of the measurements made were for the purpose of determining the cross section return of such conventional suspension target supports as nylon. The parameters of primary concern were size and the polarization of the transmitter and receiver.