Design of a stealth and lightweight underwater vehicle mast

Abstract

In this paper, the design of a stealth and lightweight underwater vehicle mast is demonstrated. Firstly, a corrugated shape is designed to reduce the radar cross section (RCS). By optimizing the angle and depth parameter of the corrugated shape, a 26 dB RCS reduction is obtained. Secondly, a type of structural radar absorbing material (SRAM) is used, which can not only absorb incident wave, but also bear loading. By laying SRAM on the corrugated shape, a 23.7 dB RCS reduction is achieved. Finally, in order to reduce weight, the steel material is substituted by composite material, which can achieve 47% weight reduction.