Comparative study between X-band Vivaldi antenna and X-band Vivaldi antenna with low radar cross section (RCS)

A low radar cross-section (RCS) design method is proposed and its application on Vivaldi antenna that covers the range of X-band is examined. According to the difference of the current distribution on the radiator when the antenna radiates or scatters, the shape of the metal radiator is modified so that maximally value RCS reduction is achieved which satisfied radiation performance. Simulated and measured results about gain, S11, RCS are presented. As a result, the effectiveness of the presented low RCS design method is validated. The nose cone of an aircraft is the most treating area for radar detection, but the electromagnetic scattering of antenna array belongs to the firing control system in this area is usually very strong, which result in the importance of stealth design of antenna. Vivaldi antennas are widely used in fire control system due to broad bandwidth and small physical dimension. Therefore, the stealth design of Vivaldi antenna is highly desirable in many prospective airborne applications. Many methods have been proposed to reduce the (RCS) of microstrip antennas. Usually, RCS reduction will increase the complexity of the antenna system or degrade the radiation performance of the antenna. The design will be based on the analysis of the antenna current distribution in the radiating and scattering status respectively for radar aviation application