The Role of Radar Cross-Section in Advanced Aircraft Stealth Design

Abstract

This paper aims to give an introduction into the radar cross-section of objects. Specifically, it goes into the importance that the radar cross-section has on the design of stealth aircraft. It provides the importance of the radar cross-section in the construction of stealth aircraft and why it is such an important factor, outlines the definition of radar cross-section, and describes multiple methods of calculating it. This paper will cover three methods of calculating radar cross-section, being Geometric Optics, Physical Optics and the Method of Moments. It details how the methods function, what they should be used for when calculating radar cross-section of aircraft, and steps and formulas that will solve the RCS of the target object. Finally, it gives an insight into the future design direction of sixth-generation stealth aircraft, what a future sixth-gen fighter would have compared to the current fifth-generation fighters of today, and other fields where radar stealth is an important factor, such as the creation of stealth warships.