Student Paper 1.5
Space-time adaptive processing for forward looking arrays

James T. Caldwell - Air Force Institute of Technology, Todd B. Hale - Air Force Institute of Technology

Tue, 27 April 2004, 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Abstract

This paper applies Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) to forward looking arrays. Traditionally, STAP research provides results for a sidelooking array where a linear relationship exists between clutter Doppler and azimuth sine. This relationship does not hold in the forward looking case. Additionally, mainbeam clutter in the sidelooking boresight case is range independent and, consequently, the clutter notch is always at zero hertz. In contrast, mainbeam clutter is range dependent in the forward looking case, resulting in multiple clutter notches for range ambiguous clutter. This range dependency corrupts the independent, identically distributed assumption required for the samples used in covariance estimation. The assumption can still be applied for a small data set, e.g., small range extent. Therefore, partially adaptive techniques with fewer Degrees of Freedom and correspondingly smaller sample support requirements must be used. Results are presented in the form of clutter Power Spectral Density, Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio, Improvement Factor, antenna patterns, and Detection Probability.

Bios

Second Lieutenant James T. Caldwell received the Bachelor?s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 2002 from Louisiana State University as a University Medalist. 2d Lt Caldwell is currently working on the Master?s of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) as his first assignment. His areas of interest primarily focus on statistical signal processing for radar, space-time adaptive processing, and communication systems. Email: james.caldwell@afit.edu.

Dr. Todd B. Hale - Air Force Institute of Technology

Maj Todd B. Hale, PhD, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH; BSEE, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI, 1993; MSEE, Air Force Institute of Technology, 1997; Ph.D., Air Force Institute of Technology, 2002. Dr. Hale?s research interests include adaptive and statistical signal processing for radar, space-time adaptive processing, radar interference modeling, image processing, automatic target recognition, and electronic warfare. As an AFIT Professor, Dr. Hale is responsible for the entire radar curriculum and serves as academic advisor to all students in this area. Tel. 937-255-3636, x4639 (DSN785-3636, x4639), email mailto:todd.hale@afit.edu.