Analytical model for the bistatic RCS of ships based on the geometrical optics approximation

This paper deals with the theoretical derivation of an electromagnetic (EM) model for the bistatic radar cross section (BRCS) of ship targets. In particular, here we focus on the modelization of the double scattering contributions arising from the interaction between the ship hull and the sea surface. The overall scattered EM field is derived under the Kirchhoff approximation and the Geometrical Optics solution. Closed-form expressions for the scattering matrix and the radiation integral are provided. Numerical results show the role of the acquisition geometry and ship orientation on the BRCS