Radar Cross Section

The area of a fictitious, perfect reflector of electromagnetic waves (e.g., metal sphere) that would reflect the same amount of energy back to the radar as the actual target (e.g., lumpy snowflake).

An expression of the extent to which an object, i.e., a target, reflects radar pulses, usually with respect to their point of origin. Note: The radar cross section of an aircraft can vary by a factor of over 100, depending on the aspect angle of the aircraft to the radar transmitter. Radar reflection off the nose of the aircraft usually represents the smallest radar cross section, while a broadside presentation to the signal produces the greatest cross section. Shape, surface roughness, and reflective material as well as orientation also affect the radar cross section. [From Weik '89]