Airborne Passive Radar

ABSTRACT: Radar sensors provide an important capability for combat missions involving air-to-air engagement of enemy aircraft. The main benefit of radar is the ability to detect targets at long stand-off ranges in all weather conditions. The main disadvantage is that radar transmissions are typically easily intercepted and provides a means for an adversary to both detect, track, and potentially target blue force aircraft. A new sensor system that exploits target illumination provided by commercial broadcast stations would provide an attractive air surveillance capability without the vulnerability of being intercepted that is inherent in traditional radar systems. During Phase I the feasibility of a new airborne passive radar system concept was established. Under Phase II the concept will be fully developed using a combination of simulated and experimental data collections. BENEFIT: The new system will provide the Air Force with a capability for covert air surveillance by providing a new passive RF sensor for combat aircraft that can display air target detections and tracks with militarily significant coverage and geolocation accuracy.