Radar Database Portability and Hybridization

The performance of a Non-Cooperative Target Identification (NCTI) system is sensitive to both the quality of the signatures in the database and the extent to which the database is complete. Impediments to portability and hybridization can detrimentally impact the databases, and also significantly increase the cost of combat systems if they require database signatures to be generated separately for each system. TSC proposes to design a high-fidelity radar signature Toolbox to help identify and mitigate those impediments. During Phase I TSC will design a wideband radar signature model that combines high-fidelity wideband voltage-level sensor modeling with equally high-fidelity signature generation including a capability for using measured signatures. The Toolbox design will include motion models for exploring the effects of target and own-ship motion on the signatures and a tool for signature similarity analysis.  The design requirements will be established by analysis and discussions with the SBIR Technical Monitor. The Phase I products will consist of a system architecture specification, documented mathematical equations, data interface definitions, and a demonstration.  During Phase II TSC will fully develop the Toolbox, validate the sensor, signal processing, and signature models against field data, train AFRL personnel in its use, and document the system from technical and user perspectives. All software developed under Phases I and II will be deliverable to the Air Force. BENEFIT: The results of the proposed Phase I and follow-on Phase II work will provide the Air Force with a powerful set of tools for analyzing combat radar signatures to identify impediments to portability and hybridization. Application of these tools will reduce cost and improve NCTI performance of U.S. combat aircraft.