EMRS DTC >
Research Programme > RF Systems
> Networked RF Systems
RF Systems
NETWORKED RF SENSORS
SUMMARY
This sub-theme aims to establish
the potential value of networks of 'small' RF sensors
as opposed to traditional single 'large' sensors. Quantitative
research is needed to establish potential benefits and
to direct future research.
MILITARY BENEFITS
Network-based remote sensing offers
potential benefits in robustness, covertness, counter-stealth,
and target identification. It is also potentially more
cost-effective than traditional sensors.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
To quantify the performance trade-offs associated
with multi-static, multi-sensor operating modes
for battlespace surveillance, both airborne and
surface-based
To identify the key technical risks and knowledge
gaps pertaining to the concept
To identify potential benefits of multi-sensor
/ multi-static operation for target detection
and classification
To understand the key issues surrounding waveform
design and signal and data processing for multi-sensor
/ multi-static operation
To advance the concepts
from TRL 2 to TRL 3
RESEARCH OUTLINE
This
research aims to investigate the concept using a network
of smaller, cheaper radars as an alternative to a small
number of complex, expensive radars, the aim being to
achieve similar or superior sensing performance. This
form of sensor also offers the potential to defeat some
types of microwave stealth and to provide more information
for target identification. The planned research involves
a number of collaborators from academia and industry.
The research is particularly aimed
at very low-level co-operation between sensors, sharing
information at the detection and pre-detection level,
and including issues such as coherent multi-static operation
and sparse antenna array formation from distributed
sensors. The use of networked sensors for target location
and target classification will be investigated. Higher-level
fusion issues, such as plot and track fusion, will not
be considered but are likely to form subjects for co-ordination
with the Data and Information Fusion DTC.
The work will also consider issues
related to accurate sensor location, robust network
formation, communication links and airborne operation.
Multi-static operation and observation
from multiple locations offers potential advantages
in target detection, identification and counter-stealth
by allowing the target to be observed from a spatially
diverse sensor.
CO-ORDINATION WITH EXISTING /
PREVIOUS RESEARCH
This research is primarily novel but
will build on previous work on bistatic radar. In particular,
it is complementary to the work being carried out under
the FOAS TDPs, and continues work sponsored under the
CRP Counter-stealth Programme.
This
research aims to investigate the concept using a network
of smaller, cheaper radars as an alternative to a small
number of complex, expensive radars, the aim being to
achieve similar or superior sensing performance. This
form of sensor also offers the potential to defeat some
types of microwave stealth and to provide more information
for target identification. The planned research involves
a number of collaborators from academia and industry.
