Site-specific clutter modeling using DMA digital terrain elevation data (DTED), digital feature analysis data (DFAD), and Lincoln Laboratory five frequency clutter amplitude data

Ground clutter masking can significantly enhance route survivability of low altitude aircraft missions. To maximize the benefits of ground clutter in foiling detection by enemy ground-based air defense radars, one requires an accurate characterization of the site-specific ground clutter environment. This paper reports on a methodology that combines Defense Mapping Agency (DMA), DTED and DFAD data, and MTT Lincoln Laboratory empirical terrain clutter amplitude models to generate an accurate site-specific ground clutter reflectivity map suitable for mission planning route radar detectability and clutter masking analysis. Initial application of this methodology to two sites in the Iraq/Iran region shows that inclusion of DFAD significantly expands the expected region of clutter returns from that predicted by use of terrain data only.