Radar

This thesis is concerned with the use of ultra-wideband radar detection specific to the following target and background considerations. (1) Statistical attributes of the RCS models of stealth-targets illuminated by ultra-wideband radars. (2) Analysis of radar echo signatures of low flying stealth-targets with a background of sea-clutter and illuminated by an ultra-wideband radar. (3) Analysis of impulse echoes from simple (planar) surface(s) coated with a radar absorbing material (RAM). The first problem refers to the elucidation of Swerling-Marcum type classifications of RCS fluctuation(s) to characterize the stochastical aspects of the echoes from stealth-targets illuminated by an impulse from an ultra-wideband radar. In the second analysis, performance of a radar receiver configuration, using the log-likelihood function of the signal received from a stealth target flying at low altitude over the sea-surface is predicted. The third effort addressed provides analytical representations in time-domain of echoes from planar surface(s) coated with RAM's for normal incidence of ultra-wideband short pulse illumination.

This thesis is concerned with the evaluation of radar detection performance specific to the following target and background considerations: (1) Stochastical description and determination of the envelope statistics pertaining to radar clutter of the coastline regions. (2) Detection of low-altitude targets by sea-borne radars operating near the coastline; and (3) Fractal characterization of the ocean surface as viewed by a satellite-based radar altimeter. The first problem refers to the elucidation of the most appropriate statistics that would describe the relevant envelope distribution of the clutter caused by the dual region of sea and land of a typical coastline environment. In the second analysis, performance of the radar in terms of false-alarm and detection probabilities is predicted. The third effort addressed provides a fractal description of the ocean surface as viewed by a satellite based radar altimeter. By characterizing the ocean bed as a fractal surface, the extent to which the sea surface data contributes errors to the mispointing/autoboresight information is ascertained.