Model-Based Identification of Moving Time Critical Targets using Wideband Signal Processing

Surveillance technologies required for the successful prosecution of time-critical targets (TCTs) include detection, tracking, identification (ID), sensor resource management (SRM), and battle damage assessment. Because SCUD TELs are rarely stationary while in the open, moving-target ID is a critical component in any successful SCUD-hunt CONOPS. In Phase I, ALPHATECH (1) developed a new model-based approach for identifying moving TCTs; (2) tested this approach using real moving-target phase-history data, producing baseline results; (3) performed preliminary trade studies of relevant sensor parameters; (4) implemented advanced signal processing techniques including moving-target focusing, MVM super-resolution processing, and micro-Doppler feature extraction; and (5) extended single-look ID to multi-look evidence accrual. In Phase II, ALPHATECH will naturally continue to mature the baseline moving-target ID system, and will further mature and exploit the technologies developed in Phase I. The major thrust of Phase II, however, will be to use our model-based moving-target ID system as a tool to quantify the effects of sensor/system design parameters. We will use moving target ID performance as an operational metric to inform radar design by fully quantifying the effects and inter-relationships of sensor parameters (e.g., bandwidth, CPI-length, S/N) and system design concepts (e.g., super-resolution, micro-Doppler feature exploitation, multi-look evidence accrual).