N112-090 TITLE: Improved Target Classification Using Continuous Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imaging of Ground Moving Targets

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Sensors, Battlespace

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 265, F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter

OBJECTIVE: Develop innovative techniques to provide target classification of ground moving target indication (GMTI) contacts using simultaneous and continuous streaming SAR imagery of moving targets within the scene.

DESCRIPTION: Modern GMTI equipped radar systems are capable of tracking moving land vehicles and even dismounts from significant standoff ranges. However, conventional GMTI does not provide sensor operators with a means to sort out specific vehicle types from other vehicles. At short ranges and suitable weather conditions electro-optic sensors can be used to provide classification. However, an all-weather, long-range capability is needed. Without such a capability, sensor operators can be swamped by the volume of tracks without the ability to separate out critical targets from others, all of which can result in a breakdown of the kill chain.

A SAR image is formed by processing many radar pulse returns from a target. Each pulse provides information as to the range to the target and the pulse-to-pulse variations at a given range provide the necessary information to extract the azimuth target position. A moving target will pass through many range resolution cells during this data collection process (which may be in the order of many seconds) producing a blurred image using conventional ground focused SAR image formation techniques. SAR focusing on moving targets can be improved by utilizing GMTI information on the particular target. The implementation we seek is to quickly and efficiently combine a GMTI mode with the ability to provide focused moving target SAR on multiple targets in the scene. In order to improve sensor operator understanding of the scene, a continuous stream of SAR images of specific targets is needed. Utilizing the same waveform for both SAR and GMTI is desired for typical operation with higher resolution SAR waveforms interleaved as required by the sensor operator to improve classification performance.

PHASE I: Determine the technical feasibility of the innovative technique to provide a GMTI and moving target SAR for improved target classification. Develop an RDT&E plan addressing performance metrics, integration tasks and human-system interface.

PHASE II: Design and demonstrate a prototype system in an operationally representative environment utilizing a Navy airborne radar system or suitable surrogate.

PHASE III: Transition the developed technology to appropriate platforms and the Fleet.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The method can be utilized in both commercial SAR systems as well as homeland security applications.

REFERENCES:
1. Diego Cristallini, Fabiola Colone, Debora Pastina, and Pierfrancesco Lombardo, "Integrated Clutter Cancellation and High-Resolution Imaging of Moving Targets in Multi-channel SAR," Proceedings of the 6th European Radar Conference, 30 September - 2 October 2009, Rome, Italy, pp. 57-60.

2. Daniele Perissin and Alessandro Ferretti, "Urban-Target Recognition by Means of Repeated Spaceborne SAR Images," IEEE Transactions On Geoscience And Remote Sensing, Vol. 45, No. 12, December 2007, pp. 4043-4058.

KEYWORDS: Synthetic Aperture Radar; Target Classification; Ground Moving Target Indication; Multi-Mode Radar; Tactical Sensor Exploitation; High Value Unit Tracking

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