Radar System Performance Modeling PDF Download

Evaluation of radar performance using an actual radar is extremely costly. Such a process usually provides only samples of data under limited and difficult-to-control scenarios. In contrast, computer simulation using a validated model of the radar system provides flexible and cost effective means of testing various aspects of the system. This research represents an initial attempt to construct function-by-function validated models of radar systems for performance assessment and to produce simulation software which can accept environment data and threat scenarios and drive the radar models. Several desirable aspects of radar operations have not been included in this work but should be considered for future implementation. They are: multiple PRF capability and range-Doppler ambiguity resolution; ECCM features such as carrier frequency agility and sidelobe cancellation; and clutter map for enhanced zero velocity target detection. In this thesis, the software model of a generic search radar operating at a medium pulse repetition frequency (PRF) with Doppler filtering capability is created. A simulation program is written which takes this radar model, combines it with user defined trajectories and cross sections of targets and jammers to produce echo signals, and displays the radar output on a plane-position indicator (PPI) and separately on a range-Doppler plane.