[Getting even more off-topic] The test was repeated for a later model of
Corvette,
and the car WAS found to be much less visible than others. Some investigation
revealed two changes. First, the headlights were the pop-up type, and it turns
out the parabolic headlight reflectors are very efficient radar reflectors,
so tipping them down reduces cross-section. Secondly, the radiator in the
Corvette
was tilted away from the vertical, in an effort to reduce hood height.
IIRC it was tilted back at the top by about 15 degrees. This made a dandy
reflector
for radar, but beamed it upwards above the transmitting cruiser.
Cheers,
David
> -----Original Message-----
> Cc: europa@avnet.co.uk
> Subject: Re: Off Topic: The "Evils" of homebuilding
>
>
> Years ago there was an article in a car magazine about the
> radar cross section of
> the Corvette, a fiber glass car. Instead of being less
> visible to police radar, the
> car was found more visible than a conventional, metal bodied
> car. The moving fan
> blades and angular shapes of the radiator and engine created
> a bigger return than
> the smooth body of the metal car.
> One has to wonder who this so called expert was that CBS quoted.
>
> Terry Seaver
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