Determination of Bistatic Radar Clutter Power from Topographic Data
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to develop a procedure for estimating the average bistatic radar clutter power from a topographic map using rough surface scattering theory. First, the terrain in the radar target area was divided into sub regions having homogeneous characteristics. A joint Gaussian distribution for the surface heights was fitted from the information contained in the topographic map contour lines for each homogeneous area. From these distributions, the normalized radar cross section for each terrain area was determined. The clutter power for each range cell was then determined via a modified radar range equation. The procedure was implemented for three target areas of an existing ground based bistatic system near Hanscom AFB, MA using a U.S.G.S topographic map of the area. Scattered power from very rough surfaces was estimated. However, the accuracy of the estimates could not be verified due to a lack of actual data for comparison. It was also determined that topographic map data may not be sufficient to determine scattered power from slightly rough surfaces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA243697
Entities
People
- Clyde R. Heddings
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology