Radar cross section of symmetric parabolic reflectors with cavity-backed dipole feeds

The monostatic radar cross section (RCS) of a symmetric parabolic reflector antenna with a cavity-backed dipole feed is computed using the method of moments. At frequencies below the operating frequency band of the antenna the dipole contribution is not significant; in the operating band the dipole terminal load condition only affects the RCS near boresight. The f/D ratio of the antenna is shown to have a significant effect on the RCS. By adjusting the focal length, the cavity and paraboloid scattering contributions can be made to partially cancel, yielding a reduction in RCS near boresight.<
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