Imaging radar signals

Citation

(2000), "Imaging radar signals", Sensor Review, Vol. 20 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2000.08720cad.016

Imaging radar signals

Imaging radar signals

Keywords: Radar, 3D image processing

Applicant: Hughes Aircraft Co. (US)Patent number: EP0636898Publication date: 1 February 1995Title: Three-dimensional imaging millimetre wave tracking and guidance system

The present invention relates to tracking and guidance systems, and more specifically to air-to-ground tracking and guidance systems. It provides an improved imaging system which is adapted to transmit a plurality of first radar signals at millimetre wave frequencies at an area including an object along with frequencies clutter. The return signals are processed to background three-dimensional image for applications demanding visibility through fog, haze, smoke and other obscurants. Such applications include enhanced vision for helicopters, ships, buses, trucks, traffic observation stations for an intelligent highway, or security cameras for plants and military installations. In a guidance system application, for example, the inventive system includes an electronically scanning antenna to provide range and amplitude signals representative of a target area. The range and amplitude signals are compared to stored signals to create the three-dimensional image. The stored signals are selected for comparison based on the dive angle of the missile. The three-dimensional image is then processed to derive guidance commands for the missile.