Radar back-scattering cross sections for nonspherical targets

Studies were made of the scattering of electromagnetic waves from nonspherical targets by making exact determination of the nose-on radar back-scattering cross sections of conducting prolate spheroids of various sizes and shapes. Curves are given for the back-scattered cross sections as a function of dimensionless size and shape parameters for prolate spheroids. The results are compared with the Rayleigh-Gans first order approximation and Stevenson's third-order approximation, and the range of applicability of these approximations is evaluated.