A Practical Incoherent Scatter Radar

ABSTRACT:In this proposed effort, Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) and MIT Haystack Observatory (MIT) will work together to implement a modern paradigm, where low power transmitters, precision receivers, and discrete antennas are integrated into radar elements which can be readily deployed to meet Incoherent Scattering Radar (ISR) requirements. Through advances in microcircuits and computing power, these elements can be replicated at low cost, fielded in large aperture arrays, and tied together with advanced processing algorithms to achieve the same performance through replicability of a network of Incoherent Scattering Radars (ISRs). These ISRs can be deployed at a reasonable cost, competitive with a single satellite or a small group of conventional radars.BENEFIT:This project will enable the detailed design of a next generation incoherent scatter radar system which is tailored to the needs of the United States Air Force. The design will be scalable in capability and have a significant number of secondary capabilities relevant to specific Air Force missions. Technologies identified, developed, and prototyped in Phase I will be used to directly enable a coherent scatter class radar for demonstration in Phase II. This stage of demonstration will focus on implementation of multiple full scale sub-arrays for transmission and reception.