Phase-Only Transmit Beam Broadening for Improved Radar Search Performance

The operational value of applying transmit beam broadening in radar search is considered. Test cases are established to evaluate search radar performance with beam broadening and without beam broadening, and also for different beam broadening arrangements. The test cases are evaluated according to search occupancy and probability of detection performance. The advantage of beam broadening for a horizon search fence is demonstrated; this approach extends to generic search fence design, and is particularly advantageous for broadening factors of 3:1 or higher.