Verification of a Multi-Beam HF Radar-Embedded Communication System Using a Drone

The performance of the hybrid far-field radiated emission design phase-attached radar/communication (FFRED/PARC) approach for simultaneous transmission of radar and communication signals in multiple beams is verified experimentally using a drone and an experimental 64-monopole over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) transmitter. It is demonstrated that very closely separated beams are possible if the transmitter is calibrated correctly in particular for demodulation of secondary beam signals. Excellent power and spectral efficiencies are demonstrated while also verifying the impact on the radar ambiguity function. The approach inherently adds a physical-layer level of communication security and is an attractive option for leveraging costly OTHR installations.