GMTI Data Exploitation For SWAP Limited Radar Systems

ABSTRACT: Size, weight, and power (SWaP) limitations restrict the ability of airborne radar systems to detect low-observable moving targets such as dismounts and slow vehicles in strong clutter. Solid State Scientific Corporation has developed a unique ground moving target indication signal processing algorithm which is ideal for SWaP limited systems due to its computational efficiency and its sensitivity to low-observable targets. During Phase I, data from a fielded radar system was processed with this innovative algorithm. The results of the analysis yielded improved performance and decreased computation time. During Phase II, the algorithm will be optimized and embedded in real-time processing on a fielded radar system. BENEFIT: The new radar processing mode will significantly reduce the false alarm rate for size, weight, and power limited systems performing moving target detection in mountainous and urban environments. This advance will improve the ability of unmanned aerial vehicles to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, thus enhancing the situational awareness for soldiers, intelligence officers, and commanders in order to identify threats and make critical decisions. The proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicle “drone” platforms is expected to continue since they offer a cost effective means for the U.S. DoD to conduct military operations despite reductions in troops on the ground.