Radar Detection and Tracking of Small Maritime Targets at High Grazing Angles

Development of high-grazing-angle radar signal processing techniques that employ a long integration time approach with a pulse agile beam that can be used to reliably detect, identify and discriminate maritime targets. This project will produce a proof-of-concept that demonstrates the feasibility of using radar data coupled with advanced image analysis to detect moving submerged submarines. HMC has developed data processing technologies designed to interpret information resident in low quality images. The advanced image analysis methodology we propose is a customized pattern recognition technique using innovative algorithms and software-based logic. Our advanced tools identify minute patterns and disturbances that submerged submarines generate and transit to the sea-surface above. Through this approach, HMC offers a new, non-acoustic radio frequency (RF) submarine tracking capability and a high-value operational system to enhance the Navy''s antisubmarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. Additional technologies examined in this proposed project will include advanced image processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data and exploitation, and automatic target recognition (ATR) and classification. Our project supports a number of the top-level Naval Research Areas of Interest in non-acoustic ASW sensors and systems, rapid precision ASW targeting technologies and techniques.