Radar Detection and Discrimination of Small Maritime Targets at High Altitude and Grazing Angle

DTI proposes to build a piece of software called UAV-PET (UAV Performance Evaluation Tool) for efficient prediction of small target detection by radar in the maritime environment. We will leverage existing models and codes for state-of-the-art clutter modeling and surface signal and processing algorithms being developed in support of BAMS-UAV procurement. We will seek to make the models efficient for quick results, and will access them through a user-friendly interface. Initially, we will use this tool to efficiently explore a wider range of operational parameters than would be possible by existing computationally intensive codes. With appropriate code modularization, we also will be able to quickly assess the impact of model upgrades as they become available from the ongoing modeling effort in support of BAMS-UAV. In Phase 1, we will demonstrate feasibility by assembling an end-to-end computation for a single combination of platform, radar, environmental, and target parameters and processing scheme. We will plan for the user to be able modify all of these, including MMTI, SAR, and ISAR processing. This software also could be an aid to assess actual performance during BAMS-UAV testing, for operator training, and for characterizing MMA performance. This tool easily could be extended to ASW applications.