Radar Cross-Section RCS Calculator
Electromagnetic scattering: Calculate monostatic radar cross-section (RCS) in m² and dBsm for canonical geometries: flat plates, spheres, cylinders, and trihedral reflectors.
Target Geometry & Frequency
Radar Cross-Section Output
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a 1 m² flat metal plate have a radar cross section of over 10,000 m² at X-band?
A flat plate behaves like a highly directional parabolic antenna reflecting the incident wave coherently. Its normal-incidence RCS is governed by sigma = 4π A² / λ². At 10 GHz (λ = 3 cm), a 1 m² plate focuses the reflected wave into a laser-like beam pointing straight back at the radar transmitter, multiplying its effective radar signature by 4π / (0.03)² ≈ 13,960× (+41.5 dBsm).
How does stealth shaping defeat radar reflection?
Stealth aircraft (like the F-117, B-2, and F-35) avoid vertical flat plates and 90° right angles. Instead, surfaces are canted by 15° to 35° away from the vertical, and leading edges are precisely aligned along just two or three discrete sweep angles. This redirects specular reflections safely into empty space away from the threat radar.
Why are trihedral corner reflectors used as navigation buoys and calibration targets?
A trihedral corner reflector consists of three mutually perpendicular intersecting metal plates. Because of three successive specular reflections, any incident radar ray from any angle within a ~40° cone is reflected exactly 180° back along its incoming path (retro-reflection), creating an immense, stable radar target with small physical size.