Calculating Bird Flock RCS for Comparable Detection to a Fighter Jet

In summary, to have the same detectability as a fighter jet with an RCS of 1 m^2 located at 200 nmi, a flock of birds with an RCS of 0.0015 m^2 should be located at a distance of 24.32 nmi. This is based on the ratio of the RCS to the total surface area of a sphere with a radius of 200 nmi.
  • #1
Debo Industry
8
0
A fighter jet has 1 m^2 rcs and is located at 200nmi. Where would a flock of birds with 0.0015 m^2 rcs should be located in order to have the same detectability?
 
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  • #2
isn't this a simple ratio with spherical areas?

1 / ( 4 pi (200)^2 ) = 0.0015 / ( 4 pi x^2 )
 
  • #3
jedishrfu said:
isn't this a simple ratio with spherical areas?

1 / ( 4 pi (200)^2 ) = 0.0015 / ( 4 pi x^2 )

Are you referring to the 4th root equation for radar range ?

((0.0015/1)^(0,25))*370,4=72,89 km or 32 NMI
 
  • #4
I was thinking that the RCS is a % of a larger spherical surface. So the jet has an RCS 1sq meter at 200 nmi. Figure what % is 1 sq meter to the total surface area of the sphere of radius 200nmi (converted to 370636.8 meters).

1 / ( 4 * pi * ( 370636.8 )^2 ) = 5.80e-13 percent

0.0015 / (5.80e-13 % ) =4 * pi * r^2

and r = 45068.86 meters = 24.32 nmi
 
  • #5
Ok , got it . Thank You.
 

What is RCS?

RCS stands for radar cross section, which is a measure of how detectable an object is by radar. It is determined by the object's size, shape, and materials.

Why is it important to calculate the RCS of a bird flock?

Calculating the RCS of a bird flock is important for radar systems used in aviation and military operations. This information helps determine if a flock of birds could be mistaken for a potential threat, such as a fighter jet.

How do you calculate the RCS of a bird flock?

The RCS of a bird flock is calculated by multiplying the RCS of a single bird by the number of birds in the flock. The RCS of a single bird can be estimated based on its size and material composition.

Can the RCS of a bird flock be compared to that of a fighter jet?

Yes, the RCS of a bird flock can be compared to that of a fighter jet. However, it is important to note that the RCS of a fighter jet can vary depending on its angle and orientation, making it more complex to compare to a bird flock.

What are some factors that can affect the RCS of a bird flock?

The RCS of a bird flock can be affected by factors such as the size and shape of the birds, their material composition, their flight patterns, and the angle at which they are being detected by radar.

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