Passive Bistatic Radar Based on VHF DVB-T Signal

This paper presents the preliminary results of experiments utilizing the DVB-T signal transmitted in the VHF band to detect airborne targets in a passive coherent location (PCL) system. Thanks to the use of a commercial wideband transmitter working with a relatively long wavelength it is possible to obtain properties that are not available for higher frequency bands, such as UHF and microwave. Possibilities, such as foliage penetration while maintaining high resolution allow extended operational capabilities to be obtained. A system demonstrator performing such a task is presented in this paper along with processed results gathered during the measurement campaign. Thanks to a low-frequency operation, the radar hidden in the forest was able to detect an aircraft. The possibility of detection with radar hidden under foliage was compared to this obtained in the open field, which confirms the advantages and usability of the VHF DVB-T system as an illuminating signal for the PCL systems.