Enhanced Angle Estimation in Adaptive Low Frequency Radar Systems

A target angle estimation technique making effective use of the spatial degrees of freedom of an adaptive array radar system has been developed by ASI and demonstrated to yield unbiased and efficient angle estimates in near-main beam jammer environments. The program objective of progressing towards a feasibility demonstration includes optimizing system designs including the detection and post-detection angle estimation functions for specific long wavelength low observable adaptive array airborne and ground-based radar systems. For the airborne (STAP) radars, the designs will include effective cancellation of both direct side lobe and near-main lobe jamming and the terrain scatter jamming, ground clutter. The simulation models developed in the Phase I program will be designed for use during the Phase II program with field-acquired, multiple-channel data as inputs. For low target elevation angles, adaptive array radar angle estimation techniques specifically designed to mitigate the target multipath degradation effects - and based on two ASI proprietary approaches - will be further developed and evaluated. Candidate DoD radar test beds for use during a Phase II program have been identified and provide the basis for a detailed Phase II plan to be developed.