GMTI Data Exploitation For SWAP Limited Radar Systems

ABSTRACT: Solid State Scientific Corporation (SSSC) has developed an innovative and computationally efficient GMTI signal processing algorithm which a hybrid of two existing methods; along-track interferometry (ATI) and the displaced phase center antenna (DPCA) technique. Hybrid ATI/DPCA exploits the complementary information from each method and combines the relative advantages for significantly improved performance, especially in mountainous and urban clutter environments, where traditional GMTI algorithms (e.g., STAP) are prone to false alarms. In phase I of the proposed effort SSSC plans to demonstrate the performance of ATI/DPCA on a two-channel Ku-band SWaP limited (<85 lbs.) radar system. The system will operate in Video SAR mode, which performs high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging and GMTI simultaneously, on the same pulses of data, and at a high frame rate. By performing SAR and GMTI simultaneously there will be no need to switch between modes of operation, thus there will be fewer gaps in coverage that may result in broken tracks. Video SAR is ideal for detection and tracking of non-cooperative, maneuvering, and move-stop-move targets such as enemy dismounts or vehicles in traffic. As a bonus, GMTI detections can be placed directly on SAR images for enhanced situational awareness. BENEFIT: The new ATI/DPCA mode will significantly reduce the false alarm rate for size, weight, and power (SWAP) limited systems performing moving target detection in mountainous and urban environments. This advance will improve the ability of UAV platforms to perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ISR missions, thus enhancing the situational awareness for soldiers, intelligence officers, and commanders in order to identify threats and make critical decisions. The proliferation of UAV"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.