Radar Cross Section Reduction Techniques using Metamaterials

In this paper, we have discussed and summarized the techniques of radar cross section reduction (RCSR). RCSR has been prompted due to the evolution of military technology. The paper reviews the basic concepts and characteristics of metamaterials, as these are the most favorable development that impacts defense industry products and stealth technology. This paper emphasizes the role of airpower and the ever-increasing demand for stealth. Initially, the blending of the fundamental aspects of stealth technology through radar signatures and methods of signature reduction are discussed. Then, the description of metamaterials and detailed analysis of their properties is made. This paper review the fundamental properties of metamaterials. It also explores the recent research activities on metamaterials in various areas. Some existing researches techniques used for RCSR are examined. The metamaterials are engineered media whose electromagnetic responses are different from those of their constituent components. The general benefits of metamaterials are pointed out in the paper. Metamaterials are mostly used in antenna configuration for enhancing antenna performance such as realizing miniaturization, expanding the operating band, enhancing gain as well as reducing RCS. These characteristics of the metamaterials are basically the reason why metamaterials should be used in stealth technology. The various categories of metamaterials used for RCSR are studied in the paper. In this paper, we have also proposed a unit cell. The unit cell consists of a square loop and intersecting strips at the edges of add shaped structure.