A Study of Near Field Data Transformed to the Far Field for a Canonical Pec Scatterer

The purpose of this research was to analyze the error associated with the Image Based Near Field to Far Field Transformation (IB NFFFT) for a canonical perfectly electrically conductive (PEC) scatterer. This research compares two groups of data: far field RCS predicted by the IB NFFFT and far field RCS predicted by X-Patch. The IB NFFFT requires a complete set of calibrated monostatic near field scattering data of the object. A detailed description is given of the configuration of the measurement facilities and procedures that were required to obtain the calibrated near field scattering data, as well as the process for implementing the transformation. Additional chamber characterization techniques are also presented. For this research, a 2-foot long aluminum cylinder of 3-inch diameter was used as the canonical scattering body.