High resolution CWLFM radar for vessel detection and idenfication for maritime border security

Continuous wave lineal frequency modulated (CWLFM) radar presents some interesting advantages for control and coast surveillance as well as low probability of interception (LPI), high resolution and does not present "blind spots". In this paper, a comparation between optic surveillance systems and CWLFM radar is made. Moreover, radar behaviour with unfavourable meteorological conditions is discussed. Also are presented results obtained with a radar prototype and processed with ISAR techniques. These images are suitable for ship identification. Finally, the paper expose results of an automatic system of ship identification applied to these images.