Modeling targets in a forest at VHF and UHF frequencies

Anders J. Sullivan

doi:10.1117/12.488290

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30 July 2002 Modeling targets in a forest at VHF and UHF frequencies

Anders J. Sullivan

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Proceedings Volume 4744, Radar Sensor Technology and Data Visualization; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.488290
Event: AeroSense 2002, 2002, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The utility of low frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for detecting foliage-concealed targets is examined. A forest simulation has been created using a large set of randomly placed and oriented tree models over a lossy dielectric half-space. Given the size of the targets and the wideband frequencies of interest, it is shown that the problem size quickly grows beyond the capabilities of even supercomputers. As a result, an approximate linear superposition technique is developed to model the response from a large number of targets (T-72 tank plus forest model). Results in the SAR image domain show that the clutter response produced by the collection of trees is higher than the response from the T-72 in all cases except when the tank orientation is broadside to the radar aperture. Examination of the backscattered signature of the T-72 shows that there is a direct correlation between the target response and the physical layout of the vehicle. This connection between shape and response holds promise for future exploitation in ATR algorithm development.

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Anders J. Sullivan "Modeling targets in a forest at VHF and UHF frequencies", Proc. SPIE 4744, Radar Sensor Technology and Data Visualization, (30 July 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.488290

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