A quantitative method for mono- and multistatic radar coverage area prediction

Abstract

The prediction of radar coverage as a function of the position of the radar has always been a key step in radar network planning. In the past, simple geometric models backed up by the deployment of siting radars were the only options for potential site evaluation, but the development of sophisticated propagation models (e.g. AREPS [1]) has moved the technology forward to another level of prediction accuracy. Modelling takes into account atmospheric refraction, as well as terrain effects and clutter. In previous papers [2], [3] we have shown that the modelling can also cater for multistatic radar systems. In this paper we have extended our modelling to give a statistical measure of the effectiveness of a site that measures the signal to noise ratio (SNR) or (for multistatic radar) the signal to interference ratio (SIR) over regions of interest. The area is pixellated into values of SNR and SIR, and pixels meeting the required SNR and / SIR are counted. We show some results for a multistatic radar. We conclude by indicating how we plan to include ground clutter. We mention how this method of obtaining quantitative coverage performance can be used with all forms of radar, and will be able to improve future networks of cognitive radars.