TABLE OF CONTENTS One of the ultimate aims of modelling sea clutteris to inform the development of improved radar systems that meet the operational needs of their users. However, the translation from a user's requirements to the entry into service of an equipment that meets these needs in an acceptable way is a very complex process. From the viewpoint of a radar designer, an important part of the process is the methodology for specifying and measuring radar detection performance. This methodology is the subject of this chapter, with emphasis being placed on the issues relating to maritime radars and the detection of targets in sea clutter.
Future high performance radars are likely to be increasingly complex with multiple modes and extensive data and signal processing. In particular, adaptive processing modes are likely to be employed, ranging from adaptive beamforming with electronically steered arrays to automatic detection schemes for small targets in clutter. The adaptive nature of these systems will mean that performance and fitness for purpose will be determined by their dynamic characteristics. Traditional static measures, such as detection range against a given target, will no longer adequately define the capabilities of the radar system. However, dynamic performance is very difficult to specify and even more difficult to measure quantitatively under practical trials conditions [1].
It is becoming increasingly important to ensure that the methodology for specifying the requirements for adaptive radar systems is well understood and agreed by both procurers and suppliers of radars [2] [3]. Any specification...
