Sensor Effects on High Range Resolution Radar Signatures

Measured wideband radar signatures can be colored by effects due to the radar sensor architecture and parameters. These sensor effects can cause differences within a signature database and a consequent degradation in performance of a radar-based non-cooperative target recognition (NCTR) system. A research program is proposed to identify, document, and mathematically model the radar phenomenology effects in wideband high range resolution (HRR)signatures obtained by a linear frequency modulated (LFM) radar. The feasibility of using such models to create a computer workstation tool for evaluating the radar phenomenology effects of different radar architecture and parameter choices will be demonstrated. This tool will be useful to radar designers, and NCTR database managers. Selected examples of wideband radar phenomenology effects will be illustrated using field data from an LFM HRR ground-to-air measurement system.