Ultra-Lightweight Moving Target Indicator (MTI) Radar for Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) and Organic Aerial Vehicles (OAV)

In an effort to enhance the OAV and UGS missions within the context of the Future Force vision, the Army has a need for an ultra-lightweight (objective: 2 lb) MTI radar sensor capable of 360 deg detection of moving dismounted troops at ranges of up to 3 km (objective) in desert terrain, under windless conditions and near-zero platform speed. TSC proposes a novel MTI Omni-directional Radar concept that can be implemented with currently available RF MEMS, A/D converters, and FPGA technologies. Using low peak transmitter power to reduce detectability and enhance mission survivability, the Light MTIOR concept provides detection of dismounts at ranges to 3 km, with sufficient angle resolution to cue an EO/IR sensor for further imaging. It is anticipated that, provided a high level of component integration, the concept will meet the objective weight during pre-production or production phases of development. During Phase I, TSC will investigate the feasibility of the Light MTIOR concept, demonstrate its detection and angle measurement capability via closed-form analyses and simulations, and develop a preliminary design for Phase II ground-based and tower demonstration tests.