Low cost method to obtain clutter data for space time adaptive processing studies utilising an existing radar platform

The most difficult area related to validating space time adaptive processing (STAP) algorithms is the generation of simulated input signals to the multi-channel radar system that adequately models the realistic clutter levels for airborne radar. In order to build an operational STAP system to collect data, several hardware developments including expensive well-matched receivers, fast high-dynamic-range A/D converters, VLSI digital equalisers etc. are required. This study examines a low cost way to obtain moving clutter data using an existing single channel airborne radar platform such as synthetic aperture radar with minimum modifications. A procedure to reconstruct clutter data suitable for STAP studies is discussed with simulated examples.