Clutter Model Based on Real-Time Terrain

"The ability of airborne radars to detect and track low flying targets has always beenhindered by ground clutter returns. This is due to the effects of ground clutter onthe target detection algorithms. Although much effort has been put into reducingthese effects the testing of such algorithms has been limited to actual flight tests.This is both expensive and difficult to instrument. The use of RF simulators to aidin the testing of these algorithms has been limited due to the static approximationsused in the clutter model. KOR Electronics proposes to research and develop arealistic dynamic clutter model based on a real-time terrain database. This will bedone through a three-stage investigation: Stage 1 will determine a practical methodin which to generate the local area map (LAM) from a global landmass database (GLM)such as NIMA, DTED and DFAD. Stage 2 will determine an interpretation algorithm tobest match the desired type of clutter return to a probability density function(PDFs). Stage 3 will determine which probability density functions (PDFs) bestapproximate the real time clutter effects on the Main Beam, Sidelobe and AltitudeLine Returns. The clutter models developed under this effort may be used for development incommercial applications. Collision avoidance systems, advanced air traffic controlradars and advanced aviation weather radar systems may benefit from this study."