Nova Marine - Performance Charts and Polar Diagrams

The following charts are computed from Polar Diagrams or direct test range results.

Polar diagrams can be viewed by clicking on the corresponding chart.
Test range results can be requested by E-Mail.

Table A. Ranking of Reflectors Based on a Minimum Return of 2.5~m²					X-band
Reflector	Certified	>10.0m²	>7.5m²	>5.0m²	>2.5m²	RCS(m²)	Gap 5.0~m²	Gap 2.5~m²
Big Dot 9"" (2005)	Passes	64%	75%	96%	100%	13.41	3⁰	0⁰
Echomax 9"	Passed	14%	31%	54%	93%	6.25	22⁰	4⁰
Cyclops 3	Passed	10%	17%	24%	84%	4.80	89⁰	9⁰
Octahedral 18" diameter	Fails		13%	52%	73%	4.69	15⁰	9⁰
Tri-Lens (12x12x6)	Fails		1%	4%	90%	3.48	95⁰	9⁰
Blipper 210-7	Fails			8%	54%	2.89	132⁰	20⁰
Mobri 4"	Fails		1%	8%	19%	1.69	140⁰	116⁰

The Big Dot Radar reflector tests were in April 2005 the others are from previously conducted tests.
All tests were conducted by QINTEIQ at their Funtington Reseach Facility.

The Big Dot 9" radar reflector fully complies with standards, peaking well over 10m2 and no gaps below 2.5m².
Even more impressive was only 13 degrees less than 5.0m² 5 of 1⁰, 3 of 2⁰, and 1 gap of 3⁰.
(RRP $US 150.00)

The Echomax 9" radar reflector when tested in 2001 complied with standards.(RRP $US 150.00)

The Cyclops 3 has two peaks over 10m2, however generally remains at 4m2 and has gaps below 2.5m2. This polar test does comply with the standards. (RRP $US 570.00)

The commonly used Octahedral type radar reflector shown here is the larger version. It does not quite attain 10m2, and has significant gaps less than 2.5m2. The most problematic characteristic of an Octahedral is it's performance when heeled. see diagram

Note: This size of reflector is not readily available on the market.
The Echomaster Deluxe is only 12 1/2" in diameter and would produce RCS patterns similiar in shape, but significantly lower in performanace, peaking around 4m2, and not providing good protection.

The Tri-Lens which measures (12x12x6) gives an even coverage at lower levels, but lacks power and weighs in at a heavy 5.5lbs. (RRP $US 220.00)

The Blipper 210-7 shown here clearly does not work very well and should not be used. There is a smaller version that is even worse, please avoid.

The Mobri 4 does not yield a powerful response, remaining below 2 m2 for most of the azimuth.