Improvement of the Target Support for RCS Testing with Accurate Evaluation of the Creeping Wave as a Function of Azimuth Along the Axis of Measurement

When measuring Radar Cross Section (RCS), the target support, mast or pylon is a critical element. The need of mechanical holding often results in significant scattering of this mast and electromagnetic interference due to contact with the Object Under Test (OUT). In particular, the creeping wave on the OUT is generally disturbed. The aim of this work is therefore to develop an effective target support for accurate evaluation of the creeping wave. The evolution of the mast geometry from a generic shape to an optimized one is described. Simulations of the new design are then validated by comparison with measurements of two canonical metallized OUT: a sphere and a sphere-cone. The results of measurements with the optimized target support show a significant improvement in the final RCS measurement, validated by analysis of the simulated impulse response where the creeping wave is accurately evaluated. The support mast is produced by 3D printing and can be adapted to different OUT shapes by following the design rules presented in this article.