Tunable single layer phase modulated radar absorber

Current military platforms utilise a combination of careful shaping and the use of appropriate materials and construction techniques to achieve low values of radar cross-section (RCS). Once built, however, they cannot easily be modified to take account of new threat scenarios or operational requirements. Hence, it might be desirable for future military platforms to be capable of some measure of dynamic RCS control so as to achieve increased operational flexibility, survivability and in-service lifetime. Dynamic control of microwave reflectivity might also find application in civilian areas such as automotive and traffic engineering, e.m.c. and other r.f. test facilities and r.f. tagging and asset tracking.