Range resolution improvement for multiple PCL radar systems on moving platforms

Abstract

In this paper a technique is presented to improve the range resolution in passive coherent location (PCL) radar systems mounted on moving platforms, enabling them to be also used for imaging purposes. The proposed technique utilizes a constellation of PCL radar systems mounted on moving platforms, such as airplanes or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Such constellations of low-cost ultra-light platforms constitute an extremely appealing solution for future surveillance and reconnaissance systems. These platforms exploit a common transmitter of opportunity, but they observe the area of interest with slightly different incident angles. As a consequence, the corresponding ground echo signals result shifted in the K-space, thus enabling a range resolution improvement. In this paper, the mathematical foundation of the technique is derived in the K-space. Moreover, some critical issues such as the synchronization of the different PCL receivers to the transmitter are addressed. Finally, a simulation will be presented as a proof of concept of the proposed technique.