Sensor Architectures for Radar Combat Identification

Advanced radar signature modeling and signal processing techniques are required to support evolving radar technology in non-cooperative target recognition (NCTR). Modeling to produce NCTR techniques in both air-air and air-ground radar modes are required. The proposed research will first utilize the radar target modeling capability at Spectra Research and Georgia Institute of Technology to generate math models of the detection of targets with wide band signals typical of high resolution radar (HRR). Target models will be developed in the context of the radar technology known to be used for target detection and subsequent NCTR by radar manufacturers. Analytical models of radar implementation parameters such as calibration and alignment will then be statistically characterized and their functionality to handle target motion and signature visibility determined. Finally, radar signature signal processing will be defined that will optimize radar performance for target recognition and identification for NCTR, over the gamut of radar typed identified. Our goal for the models and target signatures developed will be a completely portable data set for use by all radar manufacturers. Imbedded in X-Patch, these universal signature models will enable sensor optimization within a specific radar system and also benchmarking of different systems for valid comparison.