Radar Signature Tools for Small Boats in Dynamic Sea Environments

Modern marine radar systems can provide detection and tracking of various sizes of ships, and progress in signal processing has allowed for the detection of some smaller and faster targets, largely due to the wake generated by the boats movement through the water. However, detection of small boats still remains a very challenging problem. Most small boats are simply not visible on a typical marine radar display any more than a large breaking wave. To tackle this complex problem, we plan to simultaneously consider a number of relevant factors related to: the sensor, the radar scattering phenomenology, and the CAD geometry and CEM modeling. Each of these technical areas relies on some knowledge and interaction with the other areas to sufficiently address the detailed concepts. To be successful with this integrated technical approach, we must be diligent to maintain an overall focus on implementing solutions ultimately in the form of robust software tools, not just performing technical studies. There are several study and analysis activities that will be performed during Phase I Base and Option, but our overall research and development approach is still focused on end-user software tools as we advance the technology toward a Phase II effort.