Ultra-High Frequency Clutter Model for Airborne Surveillance Radar

STR proposes the development of a high-fidelity UHF radar clutter data simulation environment, leveraging existing simulation code adapted to the UHF E-2D application for the purposes of direct injection into a radar simulator. Several prior programs at STR have developed radar signal processing algorithms for airborne MTI applications that have included A/D level clutter simulators. On this program, we will incorporate unique effects for UHF applications, to include parameterization of number of scatterers per range/Doppler cell, clutter reflectivity statistics and characteristics of broad range of clutter environments (e.g., maritime or land clutter). In addition, radar sensor attributes (motion, digitization, etc.) and platform effects will be included. An MTI processing chain model that includes space-time adaptive processing (STAP) will also be developed to validate details of the clutter model and to benchmark expected performance in the NAVAIR Architecture Management Integration Environment (AMIE). Along with the clutter modeling code to be developed in Phase I, STR will develop a plan to transition the code to real-time implementation prototyping. With extensive experience in radar clutter modeling, STAP algorithm development and direct development experience for the E-2D system, STR is uniquely qualified for the UHF clutter modeling for airborne surveillance radar project.