Waveform Agile, Low-cost Multi-function Radio Frequency ISR in Contested Environment

ABSTRACT:Under this Phase 1 SBIR research, Systems and Technology Research (STR) will develop advanced radar waveforms, radar modes, and received signal processing algorithms to accomplish simultaneous SAR and GMTI leading to improved move-stop-move target tracking. The joint SAR/GMTI radar mode will make efficient use of the RF spectrum. The waveforms will be designed for use in MIMO radar, will be Doppler tolerant to reduce computational burden for target detection, and will be LPI/LPD for use in contested A2AD environments. Our approach looks for viable solutions from within the class of spread-spectrum-coded LFM waveforms. The research will address mitigation of self-jamming through both waveform design/scheduling and post-processing of received signals. Under Phase 1, performance analysis will be conducted using high fidelity RF simulation. Selected waveforms and processing approaches from Phase 1 will be implemented in hardware and flight tested in Phase 2 using a digital receiver/exciter and radar being developed under separate effort. The product of this research consists of radar waveform/mode designs and post-processing algorithms for improved target tracking performance. The research products may be packaged as an upgrade to an existing fielded radar or may become a component of a developmental radar to be fielded in the future.BENEFIT:The anticipated benefit is to provide a unified SAR/GMTI radar mode that will support longer track life for move-stop-move targets. The radar mode includes orthogonal LPI/LPD waveform designs for use in contested A2AD environments as well as target detection/clutter mitigation algorithms for post-processing of received signals. The commercial application is to package this mode as an upgrade to an existing fielded radar and/or to include the mode as a component of a developmental radar for future transition.