A radar cross section and radar performance evaluation tool for the early stage ship design (ESSD) phase

In this paper, an integrated tool for the evaluation of the radar cross section and radar performance is proposed. The approach considers input data obtained by a commercial software for 3D modeling (Rhinoceros). This integration is part of a wider numerical architecture, developed by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali S.p.A. and called ASNET (Application System for Naval ship design Evaluation and Testing), which also comprises an Operational Evaluation Model and a Ship Synthesis Model aimed at evaluating the Measure of Effectiveness of a certain ship design when different naval tasks have to be complied with. This way, ship design characteristics are linked to operational aspects with the aim of supporting the ship design requirements' phase. A test case, in which (i) the RCS of a marine target model is assessed and (ii) the performance of a radar system for the detection of low-elevation targets during the early stage ship design are evaluated, is reported.