Synthetic Aperture Radar Ground Moving Target Indicator (SAR/GMTI) for Detection, ID, and Tracking, of Moving Targets from Airborne Radar Systems

The Goleta Star LLC team proposes to develop improved change detection algorithms that are well suited to applications that use persistent RF sensors for detecting, tracking, locating, and identifying targets in urban areas. We plan to develop advanced change detection algorithms that specifically address both IED’s and moving targets in urban clutter, including dismounts, as has been initiated in Phase I. The Goleta Star team has a significant expertise in image formation processing and change detection to be able to perform this proposed effort. During Phase II we will expand on our Phase I efforts to develop multiple candidate change detection approaches and then trade off the candidate approaches that are most suitable for Circular SAR applications and which are suitable for insertion into the Gotcha program and potential specific radar applications, such as evolving and developing AF UAV assets. Goleta Star has SAR / MTI data collection assets that can be used to support the development of the candidate approaches during Phase II. Goleta Star in conjunction with parent Quinstar can support hardware definition and dev elopement toward a Spiral 3 Gotcha demonstration system. Phase III would then be the transfer of this new capability to Gotcha elements and to suitable AF UAV assets. BENEFIT: The anticipated result from successful completion of this project will be the development and testing and demonstration of advanced change detection capability suitable for incorporation into the evolving Gotcha effort and in potential AF UAV assets. The AF will have a capability to detect, track and image IEDs and moving targets that is applicable in surveillance and reconnaissance radar platforms of the Departments of Defense, Homeland, and Justice.