// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Radar Cross Section
The Radar Cross Section (RCS) of an object is a measure of how easily it can be detected by radar. It quantifies how much radar energy the object reflects back to the radar receiver.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Radar Cross Section (RCS) is a metric quantifying the electromagnetic detectability of an object by radar systems, representing the hypothetical area required to intercept the same power as scattered by the actual target. It is influenced by the target's physical geometry, material composition, radar frequency, and aspect angle, and is a critical parameter in stealth technology and radar signature management.
BACKGROUND
The Tejon Ranch Radar Cross Section Facility was a radar cross-section (RCS) testing site operated by Northrop Corporation—later Northrop Grumman—from the 1980s to 2011 in Antelope Valley, California, United States. Located at the southern edge of the Tehachapi Mountains, it was one of the few private outdoor ranges in the country designed to help develop stealth technology for military aircraft, including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Special radar systems measured the electromagnetic reflectivity of aerospace shapes and components mounted on pedestals. Northrop Grumman closed the site after plans were approved to build nearby photovoltaic power stations that were said to interfere with radar testing.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- RCS
- Radar Signature
- Echo Area
- Stealth Factor
- Radar Detectability
USAGE NOTE
RCS reduction is a primary goal in designing stealth aircraft and ships to minimize their visibility to enemy radar systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Radar Cross Section.
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company, renowned for pioneering and developing stealth aircraft (e.g., F-117 Nighthawk, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II) which rely heavily on advanced radar cross-section (RCS) reduction technologies.
A leading global aerospace and defense technology company, recognized for developing highly stealthy platforms such as the B-2 Spirit bomber and the B-21 Raider, focusing extensively on RCS reduction through design, materials, and manufacturing techniques.
A global aerospace and defense company that develops advanced radar systems, missile systems, and materials science solutions. They are involved in both designing systems to detect low-RCS targets and developing countermeasures or designs that minimize the RCS of their own platforms.
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company with significant capabilities in electronic warfare, advanced materials, and signature management, including developing technologies to reduce and manage radar cross-section for various air, land, and naval platforms.
A Swedish aerospace and defense company known for its advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and fighter aircraft like the Gripen, which incorporates design features and materials aimed at reducing its radar cross-section.
The science inside UK national security. DSTL conducts extensive research into various defense technologies, including signature management and stealth, directly involving the study, measurement, and manipulation of Radar Cross Section.
A federally funded research and development center focused on advanced technology development for national security. They conduct extensive research in radar systems, electromagnetics, and signature control, directly impacting RCS understanding, measurement, and mitigation.
A French aircraft manufacturer known for its military aircraft, such as the Rafale fighter, which incorporates techniques for reducing its radar cross-section through its aerodynamic design and material choices.