THREAT RADAR DETECTION USING FLASH CORRELATION OF RADAR AND RADAR WARNING RECEIVER DATA

摘要

Multi-sensor correlation apparatus and methods for flash correlating data derived from a radar and a radar warning receiver to more accurately determine the direction to a threat radar that emits a reflection beam in the same direction as its transmit beam. Data association is performed by comparing the intercept timing of the main transmission lobe of the threat radar as observed by the radar warning receiver with the intercept timing of the main reflection lobe of the threat radar observed by the radar. The radar apparatus comprises the radar for detecting the reflection beam, and the radar warning receiver for simultaneously detecting the transmit beam. A flash correlator detects the time coincidence of the two detection events and correlates radar data generated by the radar and radar warning receiver using the time coincidence detection. More specifically, the radar is caused to look for a range Doppler cell that consistently jumps in magnitude at the same time the radar warning receiver detects the transmission main lobe intercept of the threat radar. Thus the radar is cued to look for a reflection lobe at the same time the radar warning receiver detects a transmission lobe.