A technique for the rapid measurement of bistatic radar cross sections

Numerous techniques for measuring monostatic (backscatter) radar cross sections (RCS) are well known, but bistatic RCS measurements are inherently more difficult. In this paper we describe a bistatic RCS measurement technique which circumvents the major obstacles. It uses a variation of the CW "null-balance" approach resulting in rapid measurement times. A network analyzer and process computer were incorporated into an existing image ground plane system to improve the bistatic capability and add flexibility. Several objects were measured and compared with their known bistatic RCS to demonstrate the validity and utility of the technique.