TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors, Electronics

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PEO IWS 1.0, Integrated Combat Systems Division

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: Develop techniques that can determine whether radar returns are from direct or bi-static reception of other similar radars, or from advanced deceptive jammers.

DESCRIPTION: With the proliferation of high power radars the electromagnetic environment is getting very complex and it is getting increasingly difficult to determine if a detection is a normal radar reflection, if the system is actively being jammed or if it is receiving signals from nearby similar systems. With advances in radar processing, such as Specific Emitter Identification, it may be possible to determine the origin of the signal being received or even to identify if the return is a natural reflection or the output of a deceptive jammer. If it could be determined that the interfering signal is not a true jammer, the radar system would not have to expend valuable radar time with sophisticated Electronic Protection techniques. The goal is to incorporate parallel processing that can identify and sort real detections from false jammer detections while also identifying potential sources of interference – such as similar, friendly emitters. No new data is required – the existing signal would be processed through additional algorithms and the signal source information captured. This improvement will allow concentration of limited resources on real threats and countering intentional deceptions instead of wasting them on unintended interference.

PHASE I: Investigate the feasibility of performing this type of signal identification and determine the required algorithms and signal processor characteristics.

PHASE II: Develop a prototype model that demonstrates the ability to discriminate between valid targets, jamming, and interference. Develop a test plan to collect real radar returns from targets, clutter, denial and deception jammers, and interference from a nearby similar radar. The contractor will then demonstrate the ability to properly sort the returns into valid targets, jammer targets, and interference.

PHASE III: Transition technology (algorithms and signal processor) to discriminate self generated radar returns from jamming/similar radar systems signal to fleet systems. Demonstrate system effectiveness aboard ship during sea trials.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Technologies developed are applicable to commercial air traffic control, weather, and marine navigation radar systems.

REFERENCES:
1. J. Ackenhusen, "Real-Time Signal Processing", Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1999

2. S. Smith, "The Scientist and Engineer's Guide to Digital Signal Processing 2nd Ed.", California Technical Publishing, San Diego, California, 1999

3. M. Skolnik, "Radar Handbook (2nd Ed.)", McGraw-Hill, New York, NY, 1990

KEYWORDS: Radar processing, Electro-Magnetic Interference, Specific Emitter Identification, Jamming, Electronic Protection, EA (Electronic Attack)

TPOC: Terry Foreman
Phone: (540)653-8005
Fax:
Email: terry.foreman@navy.mil

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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