Feature-Aided Tracking, Detection, and Identification of Moving Targets Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

Goleta Star LLC with support from academia, Quinstar and other supporting businesses proposes to develop advanced capability for feature-aided tracking, detection and ID of Moving Targets using SAR. This effort is concerned with single or dual receiver channel SAR data processing to detect, track and image moving targets in real time. For this purpose, we propose a subaperture-based method via which a Moving Target Indicator (MTI) is generated based on a rapidly-formed range-azimuth image of the interrogated scene. To improve the system sensitivity to detect subtle targets (such as dismounts), we propose the use of a nonlinear flight path. A nonlinear flight path also improves the system capability to detect targets that move at variety of directions. This in turn provides a better estimate of the moving target velocity vector for tracking and imaging purposes. The subaperture processing not only reduces the size of the data for analysis but also is the key for the hardware (RF) implementation of the algorithm for persistent and staring-mode airborne radar. Each individual subaperture data provide pertinent information regarding the moving targets in the imaging scene; however, the data extracted from each of the subapertures could be combined to get a better understanding of the dynamics of the interrogated moving targets. In addition to the data that may be provided by AFRL-WPAFB, Goleta Star can collect nonlinear SAR-MTI data with its Ka-band UAV radar, even during Phase I.