The U.S. Navy Radar Cross Section Measurement Ranges, located in Dam Neck, Virginia and San Diego,
California, are examples of full, turn-key, dynamic-target radar measurement systems manufactured by System
Planning Corporation. Each shore-based 8 to 18 GHz system is capable of tracking a target while displaying
and storing calibrated radar signature measurements. SPC's fifth-generation MkV Instrumentation Radar is the
core component of the measurement systems. The radars are available to provide measurement services for
qualified programs.
Each system has a 2-ft, dual-polarized, parabolic measurement antenna and boresighted video camera mounted to
provide an unobstructed view of the test range and to view a radar calibration target. Communication and
telemetry antennas are also mounted on the roof of the building. Power and control cables run between the
equipment on the roof and the radar control work station.
A calibration target is mounted on a low cross-section pole located near the beach several hundred feet from
the radar. The calibration target is positioned to reduce clutter and multipath effects to a minimum. The
radar system is carefully calibrated and aligned before and after each measurement to maximize measurement
accuracy. An online monitor of radar performance during data collection is available to ensure that all data
collected are valid data.
The equipment racks are designed for two technicians to operate and monitor the tracking and data collection
systems. Target tracking is available in several modes. When available, GPS is used for automatic angle and
range tracking. A television camera boresighted to the radar antenna pedestal supplies operators with a
visual means to verify angle information. Range track can be accomplished manually using an A-scope display.
Automatic range tracking is provided by a MkV closed-loop, split-gate range tracker. Azimuthal track is
accomplished manually using a video display. Automatic azimuthal track is provided using optical video
tracking. A UHF FM radio telemetry receiver collects target motion data that are integrated into the radar
data stream.
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Real-Time Range-Time-Intensity Plot of Sea Clutter
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In a single run the MkV radar is capable of acquiring data for X and Ku bands and for horizontal and vertical
polarization. The MkV waveform table allows preprograming of multiple frequency tables. Each frequency
table has a sampling rate optimized for use within specified target-range limits.
