Space-time adaptive processing in airborne radar systems

This paper presents an overview of the use of space-time adaptive processing (STAP) in modern radar systems. The focus is on airborne systems that operate in the presence of strong interference and jamming. A brief overview of the methodology is presented. The paper then describes issues relating to the application of STAP in hot clutter and inhomogeneous radar environments which result in a non-stationary signal environment. The limitations that exist with the use of STAP processing in such practical environments are examined. The paper concludes with some recent STAP results using circular arrays.