Aircraft Recognition with Radar Range Profiles using a Synthetic Database

One of the most promising signatures for Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) with radar is the range profile. Containing information on the geometry of the aircraft, such a profile can be used for recognition. It provides substantial advantages over other radar signatures, as it can be measured relatively quick at a large range and at any aspect angle. The profile is however very aspect dependent, therefore the major problem to be solved is the acquisition of a library of range prohles of all targets of interest, seen at virtually all orientations. Measurement campaigns will never provide enough data ofown aircraft, let alone hostile aircraft. The proposed way out is to consider mathematical modelling in conjunction with accurate geometric models of the aircraft. Thus, at any aspect angle and frequency-band, profiles can be generated to fill the target library.