Forward Scattering by Coated Objects Illuminated by Short Wavelength Radar

Theoretical and experimental results are presented concerning the ineffectiveness for forward scattering of radar absorbing coatings applied to highly conducting objects which are large with respect to the wavelength of the incident energy. It is shown that such coatings can only increase the energy in the forward lobe of the scattering pattern. A rather simple accurate theoretical estimate is obtained of the width of this lobe for a sphere and verified experimentally. By using absorbing coatings, experimental verification is obtained of theoretical predictions of the energy focussing and reflecting effects at the rear of thin prolate spheroids. Finally a section is devoted to the experimental procedures and equipment used to obtain the forward scattering data.