Introducing Equivalent Radar Cross Section – A First Step Toward new Radiometric Requirement Definitions

Abstract

Stringent radiometric SAR system requirements often significantly shape the design and cost of modern SAR systems. Yet the wording in current requirement documents is ambiguous, and a diligent conformance assessment at the end of project phases currently questionable. In order to improve the situation for future SAR missions, a review of the requirements is proposed. As a first step toward this end, a new radiometric measurement quantity (equivalent radar cross section) is proposed, which resolves the problem of frequency and angular dependent, complex backscatter of measured targets. A numerical example for an important special case, a calibration corner reflector, is given to stress the need.