Low Radar Cross Section UAV Design in X-Band

Abstract

As Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become widespread in defense industry, the radar technology that can detect them has also improved. These improvements cause UAVs to be detected more easily, which limits their effectiveness in military usage. Although the reduction of the radar cross-section (RCS) can provide a solution to this issue, the studies regarding that is insufficient in the literature. In this study, a shaping method is recommended to reduce the RCS of UAVs, and it is shown the method is effective to address the problem. Firstly, using a simulation tool, an UAV model is designed from simple shapes and the model is validated by comparing it with the ones in literature. Secondly, RCS values are measured using vertical and horizontal polarization throughout 360 degrees by incrementing the aspect angle by one degree in X-Band using the CST Studio Suite environment. Then, considering the hardware and aerodynamic requirements as well as limitations of the UAV model, a shaping technique is applied to the body, legs and the hollow parts of the UAV model with parametric simulations. The results show that the recommended shaping technique can provide a significant reduction in the RCS of an UAV.