Exploiting Polarimetry in Littoral Surveillance Navy STTR FY2012.A Sol No.: Navy STTR FY2012.A Topic No.: N12A-T002 Topic Title: Exploiting Polarimetry in Littoral Surveillance Proposal No.: N12A-002-0091 Firm: Technology Service Corporation 962 Wayne Avenue Suite 800 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-4453 Contact: Fernando Giannella Phone: (203) 601-8328 Web Site: www.tsc.com Abstract: In Phase I the team of TSC and SDL will initiate an effort to collect polarimetric target and clutter signatures, identify polarimetric features and algorithms for detecting and classifying targets, and understanding the sensitivity to target aspect angle, grazing angle and radar resolution. In performing the Phase I program, the team will: 1) identify a robust set of polarimetric decomposition and target classification algorithms for resolving small targets, wake signatures, sea clutter and littoral clutter features, 2) collect X-band small ship and clutter data in the Great Salt Lake area, and 3) initiate the modification (through CDR) of an existing SDL radar for operation at C-band. Under the bridge effort our team will: 1) form target signatures and generate polarimetric features using the database using HRR-D, SAR and ISAR processing, and establish the best target imaging strategies and radar parameters, 2) apply the polarimetric feature extraction and target classification algorithms to the collected radar data and to other databases to optimize their performance and minimize the processing time, 3) order the long-lead items for the C-band radar and initiate the radar modifications, and 4) assess alternative locations for performing Phase II data collections. Benefits: The work that will be performed under this effort will be of significant benefit to both the Navy and to other US Government Agencies and Departments such as DHS. Foremost, the data will allow the Navy to answer key issues on the system requirements, collection geometries and CONOPS for C and X-band radars and radar modes to detect and classify small craft operating in a littoral environment. Additionally, the signature database and the polarimetric segmentation and classification algorithms will allow our team, the Navy and other researchers to develop and assess alternative techniques for processing the data. Finally, the data will provide a means for validating synthetic target, wake and clutter signatures. This technology can also be utilized for US and allied coastal surveillance against threats that include suicide and pirate attacks against ships, port facilities and oil drilling platforms, smuggling of weapons, drugs, terrorists and other illegal aliens, and mine laying. Other threats which this technology can address include the disruption of commerce, violation of exclusive economic zones and off-shore fishing regulations. Return