Knowledge-based radar signal and data processing: a tutorial review

Radar systems are an important component in military operations. In response to increasingly severe threats from military targets with reduced radar cross sections (RCSs), slow-moving and low-flying aircraft hidden in foliage, and in environments with large numbers of targets, knowledge-based (KB) signal and data processing techniques offer the promise of significantly improved performance of all radar systems. Radars under KB control can be deployed to utilize valuable resources such as airspace or runways more effectively and to aid human operators in carrying out their missions. As battlefield scenarios become more complex with increasing numbers of sensors and weapon systems, the challenge will be to use already available information effectively to enhance radar performance, including positioning, waveform selection, and modes of operation. KB processing fills this need and helps meet the challenge.