3D modelling of potential targets for the purpose of Radar Cross Section (RCS) prediction: Based on 2D images and open source data

The Radar Cross Section (RCS) is a measure of the ability of a target to reflect radar energy, affecting the maximum range at which this target is detected by a radar set. All weapon systems employ RCS reduction techniques, in order to minimise their detection range and thus the reaction time of the enemy. Evidently, there is significant interest in predicting the RCS of a potential target. Towards this aim, a two-step approach is proposed: At first, a 3D model of the potential target is created with the help of suitable 3D editing software, based on available data, such as photos, videos, blueprints etc. Then, the RCS is calculated with the help of computational electromagnetics, and more specifically, with the POFACETS 4.1 code, a MATLAB application based on the Physical Optics method. The proposed approach has been applied to the F-16 and F-35 jet fighters, as well as to the Dong-Feng 15 (DF-15) short range ballistic missile, yielding plausible results.