Validation through comparison: measurement and calculation of the bistatic radar cross section of a stealth target

Abstract

Bistatic radar cross section (BRCS) values of a stealth airborne target are predicted by performing both scaled-model measurements and numerical simulations. In order to achieve the solution of large-scale electromagnetic problems in the numerical simulation environment, the fast multipole method (FMM) is implemented and used. The FMM has produced remarkably accurate results, in addition to its efficiency. The efficiency of the FMM is due to its reduced computational complexity and memory requirement, which are both O(N1.5). Comparison of the measured and computed BRCS values has resulted in a striking agreement, which serves to validate both of the prediction techniques.