Improved Target Discrimination of Multiple Targets Using Bulk Filtering for Debris

A processing approach is proposed for decluttering that does not require statistical characterization of clues to achieve a reduction in clutter. It is based on a non-parametric algorithm developed by TecFocus on Navy SBIR N00-008 Environmentally Insensitive Active Decluttering to address clutter rejection in an active sonar system. The MDA radar problem is quite similar. The algorithm provides reliable performance without tuning to clutter or environmental statistics. It therefore does not require large experimental data collection to set critical parameters, and does not degrade as a result of mismatch between assumed and actual conditions. It has been demonstrated on a Navy active sonar using selected clues relevant to ASW. The similarity of the processing structure of the X-band radar used by BMD to that of the sonar for which this processing was designed suggests that it could provide the same advantages to reduce clutter in the BMD mission. The question in the proposed effort is not whether the proposed processing works, but whether it can provide similar performance within the constraints of the BMD scenario. The objective is therefore to show the feasibility of tailoring the proven active sonar decluttering algorithm for application to the BMD radar.