Of course there is a utility in having such a value. A sphere serves as a baseline reference for measurement. What you do not understand is that against a fairly constant background, a complex body with its diversity in signal amplitude will have those signals in a cluster and if we can distinguish any pattern from this cluster, it will help in data processing of low radar observable bodies.GarryB wrote:Unless the object is a perfect sphere there is no real value in such a number.
Different angles will result in different levels of visibility.
For example...RAdar Detection of Agitated Metal (RADAM) algorithm...
http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1977stan.reptS....B
To sum it up, RADAM algorithm searches for complementariness:It has been observed that the radar returns from moving multielement metal targets often exhibit an unexpected modulation that has both random (or noise-like) and semicoherent components. One possible mechanism for producing this effect is the modification of the current distribution on the target that results when electrical contacts between target elements are altered intermittently by the forces associated with target motion. Such intermittent-contact modulation must be considered in the design of a radar for detecting or identifying a target exhibiting this effect. Depending on the application, the observer may wish to enhance or suppress the observation of the effect, or it may be important that the effect itself be enhanced or suppressed in the object being observed. To accomplish any of these, the effect must be well understood, and we have therefore undertaken a program of research to study the radar detection of agitated metals (RADAM). This report summarizes our progress during the second year of the program. The overall objectives of our RADAM research program are to (1) identify and isolate the physical processes and mechanisms that contribute to a RADAM signature, (2) identify and explain important recognizable features of the signature, and (3) determine means for separating the significant identifying components of the signature from nonmeaningful components.
1. Forming or serving as a complement; completing.
- Top/Bottom
- High/Low
- Left/Right
- Upper/Lower
- Approach/Recede
- One o'clock/Seven o'clock
- Father/Mother
- Husband/Wife
- King/Queen
And so on...
For a helo rotor, if there is an approaching blade (increasing Doppler) there must be a receding blade (decreasing Doppler). RADAM algorithm would flag this set of complementary signals as 'high probability' of the target being a helo.
Aircrafts are complex bodies that have commonalities among the diversity of designs: Pair of wings, pair of horizontal stabilators, one vertical stabilator, fuselage, cockpit, etc...
So when we say 'true RCS value' we actually mean an aggregate of discrete signals produced by major and common radiators that even when in motion, patterns of clusters of scintillation can be discerned from background noise, provided the system is sufficiently powerful in data processing. Those patterns may not be as constant and predictable as a helo rotor and certainly RADAM algorithm will take a backseat here, but there is no denying that these patterns exist.
In other words, you can bet your next year's salary that we already know how to detect 'stealth'. Your dismissal of this is evident that you do not know what you are talking about.
That is a laugh. We got plenty of Russian stuff out in the ranges in Nevada. We know how 'good' they are. But of course, you are free to believe whatever you like.GarryB wrote:Or perhaps a couple of small things like facts are being ignored here... first... Russian ground radars are better than US ones, the PAK FAs in question are prototypes that aren't fully stealthy yet, and thirdly the PAK FAs are operating in restricted airspace where it doesn't matter if they don't appear on radar screens. Telemetry data is coming from equipment inside the aircraft themselves... there is little need for external tracking.
You just totally missed the point...GarryB wrote:When Clarke Kent takes off his glasses and becomes Superman no one seems to recognise him... except everyone in the audience... the same as when every Batman character puts on their mask... of course I admit I wouldn't recognise you with or without a mask.
No it wont... If you are Batman standing in the middle of a group of people working out who you are does not require the careful analysis of anyone, they just need to shoot the guy in the mask and when he is dead take off the mask.
No surprise here...