Maritime surveillance radar. Part 2: Detection performance prediction in sea clutter

Abstract

Techniques for detection performance prediction for maritime surveillance radars are described, with particular emphasis on the use of the compound K-distribution model for radar sea clutter. The paper first briefly reviews the analytical methods for deriving theoretical detection performance limits using compound models for both clutter and targets. Next, it is shown how the clutter environment is modelled for radar design evaluation, and methods whereby the radar may adapt to this changing environment for optimum target detection performance are described. This is followed by a description of a new method for performance prediction for a cell-averaging CFAR in real clutter, using recorded clutter signals but avoiding lengthy computer simulations. Finally, possible future developments of maritime surveillance radars are discussed.