Evan J. Dutton, Charles J. Chilton, and R. F. Martin Jr.

Abstract:

A theoretical expression for the received signal by a radar is reduced to a utilitarian form by the introduction of feasible approximations and assumptions, with concern expressed for the need for evaluation of errors caused by these approximations and assumptions. The resultant expression is Fourier-transformed in order to evaluate the propagation medium transfer function.

It is determined that three propagation parameters influence the resultant transfer function -- medium attenua­tion, medium phase delay, and mechanism reflectivity. These parameters are then derived in terms of fairly simple expres­sions that are suitable for a first-order off-line propaga­tion model in the 5.25 to 5.75 GHz range for the SAM-D radar. The parameters are derived for the various propagation media expected to be encountered; namely, terrain, clear air, atmos­pheric layering, turbulence, and precipitation.

An example is presented of the potential impact of errors on the analysis of propagation medium effects. A methodology for interfacing the developed off-line modeling procedures with the rest of the proposed radar system is discussed and recom­mendations are made for needed further work.

Consideration is given to the reception impact on the phased-array radar of interference caused by transmission from known sources that cannot be excluded by "1/d² filtering." In addition the similar impact of jammers, irrespective of the type of jammer, is considered.

The results of computer simulation for some sample situations are then presented (not including interferers or jammers) in an attempt to demonstrate the impact of the various propagation mechanisms that are considered.

Volume l: Text

Volume II: Appendices

Keywords: terrain effects; atmospheric errors; phase-coherent C- and X-band radar; propagation effects

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