Research and Experimental Verification of RCS Reduction of Metal Plate Targets by Plasma

Stealth technology is of great significance for the survival of targets such as aircraft, and plasma stealth is an effective and broadband stealth technology. The stealth effect of plasma mainly depends on the matching relationship between electromagnetic waves and plasma parameters. In this article, based on auxiliary differential equation finite-difference time-domain (ADE-FDTD), simulations were conducted to reduce the radar cross section (RCS) from multiple parameters of plasma, including electron density range, distribution, collision frequency, and thickness. Meanwhile, the analysis of the optimal RCS reduction electron density distribution was studied within a given range of electron densities. At a plasma thickness of 1.67 times the low-frequency wavelength, an RCS attenuation of −11.4 dB was achieved within a 57% bandwidth range. Finally, based on ground simulation of inductively coupled plasma (ICP), a radar scattering system was built, and RCS reduction tests were conducted under plasma coverage in the frequency range of 10–13 GHz. The simulation calculation was carried out based on plasma parameters, and the simulation and test results were in good agreement, with an error of less than 3 dB. This article has important reference value for the stealth of aircraft or other targets.