Sophisticated numerical hybrid scattering analysis integrated into system simulations for navigation and radar applications

Abstract

Classical and modern navigation, landing and radar systems rely on the radio transmission and reception. Relevant objects in the radiation field can harm the intended characteristics of these systems. Modern state-of-the-art simulations can predict in an increasing number of complicated cases the electrical performance in the presence of these objects. Countermeasures can be designed from this knowledge. This paper deals mainly with the "threat" (potentially in-acceptable distortions) by the forthcoming new large aircraft A380 on the widely spread ILS (instrument landing system; operating at 110/330MHz) installed on every major airport. The related system simulations and the mathematical and numerical analyses are outlined and some results for different numerical cases are presented. It is in particular emphasized to apply 3D and sophisticated state-of-the-art methods which are adapted to the 3D characteristics of the objects in contrast to inadequately simple methods. For the case of the new Airbus A380 some principle results are presented using simple physical optics based methods, trials to improve the simple PO by creating "fudge factors" by measurements and in contrast results for rigorous and quasi-rigorous numerical methods. Large errors for a simple physical optics PO treatment in contrast to the rigorous method-of-moments MoM and improved physical optics IPO solution are presented and explained. The practical consequences for airports illustrate the necessity of reliable state-of-the-art system simulations and the application of advanced electromagnetic scattering analysis.