High-detail X-band RCS simulations of a DJI S900 hexacopter, and comparisons against measurements

The radar signatures of UAVs are critical to both their detection and classification. Simulation provides an excellent method for both augmenting measurements of the radar signature, and for determining properties in cases where measurements are impracticable. However, such simulations can often be complex to set up and to run, or can be too simple to produce the required results. This paper presents the results of highly detailed, full-wave simulations of the X-band RCS of a DJI S900 hexacopter, and compares them against measurements. They are also compared against simpler simulation approaches to illustrate what is required for a simulation to be sufficient. Micro-Doppler simulation results are also shown.