Study and Simulation of Radar Targets' Micro-Doppler Signature

Micro-Doppler signature of any radar target is induced due to back-scattering from rotational parts of engine compressor, exposed blades, turbine etc. The study of micro-Doppler signature aids in feature extraction based target recognition. To devise coarse target recognition scheme, it is necessary to study and model different types of aerial targets for micro-Doppler signature. In this paper, JET Engine Modulation(JEM), Helicopter Rotor Engine Modulation(HERM), propeller modulation is simulated for surveillance band radar using standard existing models. The simulated I/Q data is validated with some degree of closeness against real radar data. Doppler energy received for different types of targets varies with aspect, range and RCS. This energy is quantified at coarser level target recognition into different classes. Since the normal radar waveform for search and track function is used for this quantification, the radar computational resources are saved. The radar tracker kinematics, aspect angle and RCS is also used in conjunction with Doppler information to increase confidence of classification. Thereafter, specially designed NCTR waveform for feature extraction can be played for track with high confidence.