Clutter Model Based on Real-Time Terrain

We propose to develop a computer based system to simulate realistic clutter signalsin real time to an airborne radar under test. The clutter will be derived from aterrain database, and will include an accurate rendition of the spectrum asdetermined from the engagement geometry, the radar antenna pattern, and where thebeam is pointing. The simulation state will be updated frequently in order to keepup with the changing conditions of a maneuvering platform and scanning antenna. During Phase I we determined that it will be possible to develop an affordableand practical simulation system in Phase II that (1) is based on a terrain database,(2) utilizes textbook models of the backscatter phenomena, (3) is capable ofstimulating the detection and tracking modes of modern airborne radars, and (4) isreadily adaptable to different radars, modes, and engagements. This simulationsystem will utilize the latest in digital signal processor (DSP) technology, whichcan operate very efficiently in a real-time parallel processing environment. As anexpanded version of the simulation system, we plan to add the capability to simulateterrain returns in real time for certain mapping modes of the radar. In order to facilitate development of the simulation system, and to evaluate itsperformance, we also plan to develop an all-digital testbed radar that will providereal-time control signals to the simulation system as well as receive and processthe simulation output.