AN/APS-137 Forward Looking Airborne Radar (FLAR) Evaluation
Abstract
During April 1992, September and October 1992, and May 1993, the U.S. Coast Guard R&D Center conducted experiments to determine the sweep width for the AN/APS-137 Forward Looking Airborne Radar (FLAR) when searching for 4-, 6- and 10-person life rafts and small recreational boats. Workboats used to deploy the life rafts during the Fall 1992 and Spring 1993 experiments were used as targets of opportunity. The experiments were conducted in the coastal waters off the west coast of Florida from Wacussa Bay to Gasparilla Island and on Lake Erie. Realistic radar searches to collect data used unalerted sensor operators and standard search patterns for small waterborne targets. Aircraft and target positions were recorded using a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). Target detections were recorded by observers and by computers onboard the aircraft. Environmental conditions were recorded by observers on the workboats. In addition, MINIMETM environmental buoys recorded the sea and wind conditions in the search areas. Environmental conditions represented in the data set included 0.3- to 3.6-foot significant sea heights and 1.0- to 15.2-knot winds. Analysis of the data confirmed sweep width to be largely determined by range scale, lateral range and wind speed for the life rafts. Lateral range, radar range scale, boat size and wind speed determined the sweep width for small boats. Recommended sweep width values and AN/APS-137 FLAR search guidance are presented. Search and rescue, Forward looking airborne radar, Radar, Inverse synthetic aperture radar, Sweep width, Search, Life raft, Small boat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA284672
Entities
People
- D. L. Raunig
- R. L. Marsee
- R. Q. Robe
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center