Space-time adaptive algorithms for track-before-detect in clutter environments

In this paper we propose and assess TBD strategies for radar systems adopting STAP. At the design stage we consider a radar system equipped with a linear array of N
_a
sensors that illuminates the surveillance area by transmitting M coherent pulse trains, each consisting of N
_p
pulses, before deciding whether or not a target is present over L adjacent range cells. As a preliminary step we introduce the target and noise models. Then, resorting to GLRT and ad hoc procedures, we derive adaptive CFAR detectors for both stationary and scan-to-scan varying clutter scenarios (a point better clarified in the body of the paper). The proposed detectors guarantee the CFAR property with respect to the unknown spectral properties of the clutter. The preliminary performance assessment, conducted resorting to Monte Carlo simulation, shows that proposed procedures might be a viable means to implement early detection and track initiation of weak moving targets.