Glossary · Glossary
RCS
A measure of how detectable an object is to radar — how much of the transmitted energy it reflects back toward the receiver. Small drones have a very low RCS, which is one reason they are difficult to detect.
A measure of how detectable an object is to radar — how much of the transmitted energy it reflects back toward the receiver. Small drones have a very low RCS, which is one reason they are difficult to detect.
Why it matters
Radar cross-section measures how visible an object is to radar; small drones have a very low RCS, which is the physical reason radar alone often struggles to detect them.
Related in glossary
Frequently asked
What is RCS?
A measure of how detectable an object is to radar — how much of the transmitted energy it reflects back toward the receiver. Small drones have a very low RCS, which is one reason they are difficult to detect.
Why does RCS matter for defense and counter-UAS operators?
Radar cross-section measures how visible an object is to radar; small drones have a very low RCS, which is the physical reason radar alone often struggles to detect them.