Estimating the Distribution of RCS Using Sparse Measured Samples

Abstract

In this paper, we consider estimating the distribution of the radar cross section (RCS) using a small number of sparse measured samples. With a small sample size, it is advantageous to use the measured samples in combination with a preliminary description of the RCS, such as a distribution produced from simulated RCS samples. We estimate the RCS taking the target aspect angle into account and consider its uncertainty by representing each sample with a probability distribution over the aspect angle space instead of a single value. Thus, the aspect angle of a measured sample may be represented by an inexact estimate rather than an accurate value. In addition to the approach to estimating the RCS, we propose ways of analyzing the performance attained with it and apply them to a case study. Although the analysis performed with a single test object does not provide quantitative results, it offers a demonstration of the approach and a preliminary assessment of its performance.