10.1 Introduction

So far in this book the target recognition techniques and associated technology for supporting them have been presented. In this chapter operational issues are discussed, which involve how the techniques are applied for real systems, how they link in with the other functions of the radar and how and when decisions on the target's identity are made. As will be seen, some of the operating characteristics of certain types of radars constrain the target recognition functions that can be supported and the performance that can be achieved. Three generic types of radars have been selected to illustrate the key issues: a mechanically scanning tracker radar, a passive- phased array and an active-phased array radar. The active array is divided into two categories, arrays with fixed faces and rotating arrays. Although some radars are actually combinations of these selected types, the general principles discussed still apply.

Tracking radars will be described in Section 10.2 and it will be shown that they are very well suited to provide high-performance target recognition functions, whilst still meeting the requirements of tracking targets.

Passive- and active-phased array radars, which can be used in surveillance, tracking and multi-functional roles, are also discussed in Sections 10.3 and 10.4, respectively. These types of radars have many tasks to perform and generally have little time available for performing target recognition functions. The constraints affecting their potential to support radar target recognition modes are presented.

The role of the operator in making decisions about the target's identity and...