Analysis of Near-Field Electromagnetic Scattering Characteristics of the Hypersonic Vehicle

To enhance the detection and strike accuracy of hypersonic vehicles, it is essential to analyze their electromagnetic scattering characteristics. Under short-range detection conditions, the body target effect must be considered. Additionally, the plasma sheath formed on the surface of a hypersonic vehicle during near-space flight alters the vehicle’s electromagnetic scattering characteristics. In this paper, the near-field electromagnetic scattering characteristic of the plasma-coated hypersonic vehicle is analyzed. Simulation results show that compared to the far-field condition, the peak value of the RCS curve decreases, and the main lobe broadens under near-field conditions. The RCS of plasma-coated hypersonic vehicles is reduced compared to the case without plasma coating. As the detection frequency increases, the attenuating effect of the plasma sheath on RCS gradually decreases. Analyzing the near-field RCS of plasma-coated hypersonic vehicles serves as a foundation for short-range detection and signal processing of these vehicles.