The Target Radar Cross Section calculator computes the cross-section of a object for a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) based on the refectivity, azimuth, slant range, grazing angle, radar frequency, reference frequency and the frequency dependence.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (σ_0,ref) This is the distributed target reflectivity (m²/m²) at the nominal frequency.
• (ρ_a) This is the image azimuth resolution.
• (ρ_r) This is the slant-range resolution.
• (Ψg)  This is the Grazing Angle at the target.
• (ƒ) This is the Radar Nominal Frequency.
• (ƒ_ref) This is the Reference Nominal Frequency
• (n) Radar Cross Section Dependence 

Target Radar Cross Section (RCS): The calculator returns the cross section in square meters.  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The formula for target radar cross-section used in this calculator is:

   σ = σ_0,ref ⋅ ((ρ_a * ρ_r)/ cos(ψ_g)) ⋅ (f/f_ref)ⁿ

This lookup equation calculates the target radar cross section¹ of a distributed target for radar SNR.  

There isn't quite enough room in the text box, so I'll repeat it here: `sigma_(0,ref)` is the distributed target reflectivity `(m^2/m^2)` at nominal reference frequency `f_"ref"`.

This equation is most helpful in the context of calculating the Signal-to-Noise of a Synthetic Aperture Radar.

Radar Calculators

• SNR Gain Due to Azimuth Processing (coherent pulse integration)
• SNR Gain Due to Range Processing (pulse compression)
• Target Radar Cross Section
• Monostatic SAR Transmitter Antenna Gain Factor
• Radar Atmospheric Loss
• SAR Duty Factor
• Grazing Angle
• Slant Range
• Slant Range (Beta Angle)

See Also

Grazing Angle

1. ^ Performance Limits for Synthetic Aperture Radar - Second Edition.  Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM.  Printed February 2006.