Bistatic reflectivity measurements on various terrains at X, Ku, Ka and W-band frequencies

Data that realistically represent the phenomenology of bistatic reflectivity are essential to the design of radar systems intended to sense land based targets and low flying aircraft. A need exists to further characterize clutter phenomenology in order to design and project the performance of current and future systems. This paper provides an overview of X, Ku, Ka and W-band bistatic measurements made at the Research, Development and Engineering Center at Redstone Arsenal. The data collection includes both on-axis (zero degrees) and off-axis (10 and 30 degrees) measurements of the bistatic reflectivity response of sand, gravel, sod and flat plates. The reflectivity results from gravel, grassy sod, smooth sand and flat plates are presented. Modeling and statistical analysis of the data are discussed. This work has application to tactical missile systems that must complete their engagements at low altitudes in a clutter environment.