Using correlation filters to classify aircraft down-range radar profiles

This paper details a classifier which uses correlation filters to discriminate between down-range profiles of radar targets. Down-range profiles are formed via an inverse FFT from frequency data obtained with the MTI (Moving Target Identification) process from successive scans of the aircraft. MTI separates the reflected backscatter of a moving target from the backscatter of the stationary environment. Simulation is used to quantify the resolution of the down-range profiles obtained with MTI. Classification using correlation filters is performed on data from a compact range as well as MTI data from measurements of actual aircraft in flight.