Welcome to the AMTA paper archive. Select a category, publication date or search by author.
(Note: Papers will always be listed by categories. To see ALL of the papers meeting your search criteria select the "AMTA Paper Archive" category after performing your search.)
Over the past few years, range certification activities have become more commonplace, as industry, government and academia have embraced the process and acted to implement documented procedures at their facilities. There is now a significant amount of documentation laying out the process, as well as templates to assist ranges in developing their range books. To date, however, there have been fewer examples of useful tools to assist the ranges in better understanding how the process will affect their specific range. The authors have developed a first generation MATLAB toolbox designed to provide ranges a “what-if” capability to see the impact of specific range errors on the range’s operations. Included within the toolbox are several types of additive and multiplicative errors, as well as means of modeling various aspects of radar operation.
System Planning Corporation (SPC) is pleased to announce our new instrumentation radar measurement system denoted the Cheetah radar line. This radar system is based around the new Agilent PNA series of network analyzers. The PNA operates from 0.1 to 67 GHz and is utilized for making gated CW or CW RCS and Antenna measurements. The PNA has a built in synthesizer that allows the unit to be used without costly external synthesizers and external mixers. The PNA also has four identical receiving channels, two signal and two reference, that permit simultaneous co and cross pol measurements to be made. PNA IF bandwidth is selectable from 1 Hz to 40 kHz to optimize measurement sensitivity, dynamic range and speed. Using the segmented sweep feature of the PNA a single frequency sweep can be broken into segments, to further optimize the sensitivity, dynamic range, and speed. Each segment can have its own start and stop frequency, frequency step size, IF BW and power level. SPC has developed the high speed RF gating, low noise RF preamplifiers and high speed digital timing system, which allow maximum sensitivity, full up gated CW or CW radar measurements using the PNA. SPC has coupled the system to the CompuQuest 1541 RCS and Antenna Data Acquisition and Data Analysis Processing Software. This exciting new product line offers reduced cost and improved performance over current network analyzer based systems using the HP 8530, 8510, etc. Performance improvements are in the reduced noise figure, sensitivity, dynamic range and measurement speed. Measurement speeds are increased by at least a magnitude of order over the older systems and in some cases a couple of orders of magnitude.
This paper presents results from a tracking and classification radar that is contained in a coffee-can sized cylinder that sits directly on the ground. The 50 mW radar operates in the 3.1 to 3.6 GHz band using horizontal polarization. The results from earlier radar propagation channel studies will be discussed, including propagation characteristics as a function of polarization and frequency band. The design for this radar that exploits the channel propagation characteristics will be described. Data from tracking of vehicles and humans will be presented. Examples of the range profiles of groups of humans and of moving vehicles will be shown. We will also show a test of the capability of such a system to track humans through building walls.
This paper describes the new ORBIT/FR StingRay Gated-CW radar implementation that provides both performance and speed improvements over those previously utilized and fielded in RCS measurement systems. The radar is implemented using one or multiple pulse modulators used to provide gating of the transmit and receive signals, in conjunction with the new class of Performance Network Analyzer recently introduced by Agilent Technologies. The radar features an order of magnitude improvement in speed over that previously offered using implementations with the Agilent 8510 or 8530 network analyzer/receiver. In addition, base sensitivity improvements are realized, and the radar is more flexible with user selection among many IF bandwidth settings now available. The physical profile of the radar is also improved, meaning that additional performance gains may be realized by creating a more efficient packaging scheme where the radar may be located closer to the radar antennas, either in a direct illumination configuration or in a compact range implementation. These factors, when considered in aggregate, result in the new ORBIT/FR StingRay Gated-CW radar offering that provides a higher performance-to-cost value trade-off than was previously available to the RCS measurement community.
We have investigated a method that reduces the vertical field taper at a ground-bounce radar crosssection range using a vertical antenna array. An experiment was designed were the coherent data from two measurement channels were independently recorded and stored for post processing. The two datasets were weighted and added in the postprocessing to form the extended zone with improved vertical field taper. Vertically distributed point scatterers on a special test object were used to aid in optimizing the method using imaging techniques. The method is evaluated using simulations and measurements. The usefulness of this method for RCS measurements of full-scale objects such as vehicles and aircraft is discussed. We find that the method can be used to reduce the vertical field taper over a wide frequency band in the way that theory predicts.
The Radar Cross Section (RCS) measurement facility operated by the Stealth Materials Department of BAE SYSTEMS Advanced Technology Centre in the UK is an invaluable tool for the development of low observable (LO) materials and designs. Specifically, it permits the effect of signature control measures, when applied to a design, to be demonstrated empirically in terms of the impact on the RCS. The facility is operated within a 3m by 3m by 12m anechoic chamber where pseudo-monostatic, co-polar, stepped frequency data for a target can be collected in a single measurement run over a frequency range of 2- 18GHz, and for a range of azimuth and elevation angles using a Vector Network Analyser (VNA). The data recorded consists of the complex voltage reflection coefficients (VRC) for the chosen range of aspect angles. This includes data for the target, mount, calibration object, and the associated calibration object mounting where significant. All data processing is conducted offline using a bespoke post processing software routine which implements software time domain gating of the raw data transformed into the time domain prior to calibration. The significant sources of type A (random) and B (systematic) uncertainties for the range are identified, grouped, and an approach to the determination of an uncertainty budget for the complex S21 data is presented. The method is based upon the UKAS M3003 guidelines for the treatment of uncertainties that may be expressed by the use of real, rather than complex numbers. However, a method of assessment of the uncertainties in both real and imaginary parts of the complex data is presented. Finally, the uncertainties estimated for the raw VRC data collected are propagated through the calibration and the uncertainty associated with the complex RCS of a simple target is presented.
Radar systems that use pulsed waveforms for detection can be adversely affected by target returns whose round-trip time of flight is longer than the radar’s interpulse period. Unless techniques such as pulse repetition frequency (PRF) jitter or pulse phase encoding are employed, the receiver has no way of determining whether a target’s range is accurate. If this radar system is being used to collect radar cross section (RCS) data, the range ambiguities may exhibit themselves as clutter and cause unacceptable levels of data contamination. A Gated Linear FM Homodyne (gated LFMH) radar modulates its transmitted signal during the time of an individual chirp, or frequency sweep, which leads to two distinct PRFs; the chirp PRF and the interchirp pulse PRF. The chirp PRF is typically very low, on the order of tens to hundreds of chirps per second, and therefore insignificant with respect to range ambiguities. It is the interchirp pulse PRF that is typically of sufficient rate to factor significantly in the processing of data collected with range ambiguities present. This paper provides analysis of the effects of range ambiguities in a typical gated LFMH radar that occur during wideband RCS data collections. In addition, a method for optimizing the radar system parameters through the prediction of the range ambiguities will be shown.
To determine the radar cross section of full-scale objects in their operational environment, and for doing countermeasure evaluations, a radar measurement system has been developed. The system is mobile and flexible and can hence be placed in different surroundings. Its main objective is to make trustworthy and accurate measurements of the RCS of ground-, seaand air targets. This is achieved by a calibration procedure that is performed in connection to all measurements. The measurement system is well suited for RCS measurements in dynamic scenarios. The system can transmit radar signals that resemble the signals of existing threat systems. This property together with the fact that the system at the same time measures both the RCS of the target and the effects of ECM make the system well suited for ECM evaluation. Measurements have been made of many different types of targets on land, at sea and in the air. Different types of ECM, e.g. chaff, has also been evaluated.
In this paper, the use of a low cost compact RCS measurement system is described, aimed at the characterisation of superstructure details. This system has been installed in a large room available within a shipyard, so that the measurement process is quite simple and efficient, even though under near-field conditions. Results are relevant to radar images and RCS, and can be used for the selection of details, for the optimisation of their backscattering and/or their installation process, and for the improvement of simulation codes. Comparison with simulations is also reported.
The ability to perform radar cross section (RCS) measurements, where background subtraction is applied, requires a measurement system that is very stable throughout the measurement time span. Background subtraction allows the measurement of low RCS components mounted in high RCS test bodies by permitting the scattering from the test body to be removed by coherently subtracting the test body (background) RCS from the target RCS measurement. Amplitude and phase variation of the illumination signal between the time that the target and background measurements are performed will limit the quality of subtraction achievable. Modern instrumentation radars can maintain extraordinary stability when exposed to controlled temperature environments, but controlling the temperature of a large compact range can be difficult. Other components of the measurement system, such as the reflector, can also be influenced by temperature fluctuations. Methods of controlling the thermal environment can have significant consequences. Lessons learned in the Advanced Compact Range at the Air Force Research Laboratory will be described.
One basic Direction Finding (DF) technique for Radar is Amplitude Based Comparison DF. Multiple directional antennas are placed around an aircraft to get a 360 deg view of the area. By placing these antennas on the aircraft, the antennas are subjected to reflections from the aircraft, which distorts the antenna characteristics. This antenna distortion causes errors in the measurement of the angle of arrival. The work presented here describes the measurement of the antenna characteristics of a cavity backed spiral antenna both by itself and attached to the nose of an MH- 47A helicopter nose measured in an anechoic chamber. The spiral antenna’s pattern was changed when it was measured on the helicopter. The effect this change in pattern has on the DF accuracy is discussed.
This paper presents an approach to experimental identification and investigation of the higher-order diffraction effects. The proposed technique allows one to determine parameters (particularly coordinates of the attachment and launching points) of the higher-order diffraction centers and can be considered as an extension of the Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging technique.
Originally installed in 1992, the Advanced Compact Range (ACR) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was completely aligned using a Leica multi-theodolite measurement system. The Coherent Laser Radar (CLR) System provides an automated precision measurement capability which can gather significantly more data permitting a more complete characterization of the range in a relatively unobtrusive manner. This paper presents the process and results of applying Laser Radar Metrology as an optical range re-qualification tool within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s ACR.
In some antenna applications, it is desirable to introduce an interior surface that is absorptive at one frequency, and reflective at an adjacent frequency. Even a narrow band absorber, such as iron loaded Magnetic RAM, has absorption qualities far outside its optimal absorption band. The concept is to use a conductive-backed Radar Absorber Material (RAM) covered by a band pass Frequency Selective Surface. The FSS allows the frequencies to be absorbed to pass through to the absorber while reflecting frequencies away from the pass band. The example shown in this paper was designed to absorb energy in the 2-4 GHz band, and to be reflective below 500 MHz. Design considerations include: Overall thickness; Coupling between the FSS and RAM, and Size of the FSS elements relative to the internal antenna structure. Potential applications include: broad band antennas, scatter control, and cosite interference mitigation.
Recently, remarkable efforts have been spent to develop GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) systems able to detect shallow anti-personnel mines. In order to achieve high resolutions, large bandwidths are necessary; furthermore antennas must operate detached from ground. The paper describes how an existing surface based antenna, developed for high resolution inspection of man-made structures, has been optimized following a combined measurementssimulation approach. The novel antenna is the basic element of a polarimetric array, composed of 35 elements, that will be part of a multi-sensors demining system under development in the frame of a European Union funded project (DEMAND). Measurements have been carried out in the frequency domain, by the means of an S-parameters modal decomposition. Results concerning bandwidth, leakage, impulse response of array channels and input impedance of the basic element are reported in the paper. Comparison between measurements results and simulations are presented.
Sensor Concepts, Inc. has developed the SCI-Xe Portable Microwave Imaging System prototype for use in the assessment of the low observable (LO) characteristics of fielded military platforms in their native environments. The SCI-Xe is a single man deployable suitcase-size system that employs a small linear rail in order to acquire Linear Synthetic Aperture Radar (LSAR) data in the 8-18 GHz frequency range. Data collections are performed via a single button push and the data is stored on a removable harddrive for comparison to an existing database for analysis. Recent deployment of the SCI-Xe prototype has provided excellent feedback on the viability of performing repeatable field measurements using alignment techniques that do not significantly affect the overall system size and weight. The SCI-Xe employs a video camera and uses video image algorithms such as edge detection, thresholding, and overlay masks to provide a simple coarse alignment to a stored baseline position. Once positioned, a single LSAR collection is performed to provide the radar data necessary for analysis, which includes a robust image registration algorithm to first, perform a quantitative assessment of the positioning accuracy and second, align the data for further image filtering and statistical processing.
In order to better understand the capability and limitation of the radar in the VHF band, we present the results from RCS measurements on simple calibration objects of sizes from small to large. Though the uncertainty for measuring a small object is usually well behaved to within +0.2 dB, the greatest difficulty for a large object is the lack of knowledge on the distribution of the incident field. Some qualitative ideas may be obtained from fieldprobes along a few directions. Yet, a thorough investigation of the field in 3-D as a function of the frequency and polarization is generally beyond time and budget constraints. For the special cases of long and thin cylinders at broadside, we find that the difference in HH-VV is very sensitive to ka, which allows us to distinguish them apart.
The accurate measurement of static Radar Cross Section (RCS) requires precise calibration. Conventional RCS calibration objects like plates and cylinders are subject to errors associated with their angular alignment. Although cylinders work well under controlled alignment conditions, and have very low targetsupport interaction, these devices may not always suitable for routine outdoor ground-plane RCS measurements. We seek a design which captures the low interaction mechanisms of a cylinder, yet can be easily aligned in the field due to its excellent angular insensitivity. In a sense, this target has the best characteristics of both the cylinder and the sphere. This paper will describe the design of a "hypergeoid", a new calibration device based on a unique body of revolution. Calculations and measurements of some elementary hypergeoids are presented.
The National RCS Test Facility (NRTF) has a variety of unique test capabilities. Looking to further expand our testing options at the Mainsite test facility, the NRTF began developing a pit/pylon and rotator shroud test bed capability that would allow for radar cross section (RCS) measurement of test articles that are physically too small to accept a rotator. To reach the desired background RCS levels, the use of an expanded polystyrene foam column was not a viable option. In order to maintain the integrity of the calibrated system and enable the measurements of test articles with and without rotator bays on the same pit/pylon, a pit/pylon and shroud combination was required. Other important considerations that influenced the viability of a pylon system include cost effective mounting/dismounting of test articles, safety of the test articles and personnel, and the effective determination of backgrounds due to a stable and low observable pylon system. Our primary goal was to design and fabricate an inhouse system that met the needs of potential customers while satisfying our own clutter and background criteria. This paper documents the fabrication of the pylon and rotator shroud test bed. The results of an RCS characterization are also presented demonstrating the system’s ability to meet the desired RCS background goals.
Free space, coherent radar cross section measurements on a moving target trace a circle centered on the origin of the complex (I,Q) plane. Noise introduces only small random variations in the radius of the circle. In real measurement configurations, additional signals are present due to background, clutter, targetmount interaction, instrumentation and the average of the time-dependent system drift. Such signals are important contributors to the uncertainty in radar cross section measurements. These time-independent complex signals will translate the origin of the circle to a complex point (I0,Q0). Such data are then defined by the three parameters (I0,Q0), the center of the circle, and st, the radar cross section of the target. Data obtained when a target is moved relative to its support pylon can be separated into phasedependent and phase-independent components using the techniques of (1) three-parameter numerical optimization, (2) least-median-squares fit, (3) adaptive forward-backward finite-impulse response procedure, and (4) orthogonal distance regression applied to a circle fit. We determine three parameters with known and acceptable uncertainties. However, the contribution of systematic errors due to unwanted in-phase electric signals must still be carefully evaluated.