Radar cross-section analysis using theoretical and experimental signatures

The radar cross section of a target is a complex quantity possessing both an amplitude and a phase. Most of the work done up to the present day restricts itself to discussing the former, the latter being almost completely ignored. Yet it seems reasonable to assume that a study of both the amplitude and phase characteristics would lead to a more complete picture of the target under consideration. The present paper focuses on the analytical and experimental aspects of the phase behaviour (with a few remarks on the amplitude), giving detailed descriptions in the case of a cylinder and a dart (examples of a simple and complex target respectively).