RADAR HIGH ANGLE RESOLUTION TECHNIQUES

Existing radars are very powerful and perform many functions. However, they have difficulty resolving multiple targets in the same range cell with similar doppler shifts when the targets are close in angle. Typically, targets closer than one beamwidth of the radar\'s aperture cannot be resolved with conventional radar processing. Signal processing techniques that increase the angular resolution of radars beyond the Rayleigh resolution limit are said to provide "superresolution". Superresolution techniques require intense, numerical operations upon a covariance matrix. Unfortunately, conventional radars do not directly provide the covariance matrix. In this Phase I effort we propose to investigate techniques to increase conventional radar\'s angular resolution through the use of superresolution processing as an "applique". The following innovative techniques are proposed for Phase I and elaborated upon in the proposal: o Indirect covariance matrix measurement o Processing only where targets have been detected o Subarraying to reduce computations and data collection Flam & Russell, Inc. has a great deal of experience implementing superresolution processing to a number of systems; direction finding, radar cross-section measurement as well as non destructive evaluation systems. Thus, we possess the right ingredients to add increased angular resolution of conventional radars in an efficient, cost-effective manner.