Ultra-wideband forward scatter radar fence for maritime surveillance — Initial experimental results

The work described in this paper is a continuation of previous analytical work that has progressed to an experimental phase. The paper discusses the development of an ultra-wideband (UWB), forward-scatter radar (FSR) system for the detection and (ultimately) automatic recognition of low reflectivity maritime targets. Here we present the concept, developed hardware and selected initial experimental results. A number of novel ideas have been developed to reduce cost, size, prime power requirement, complexity and utilise the advantages of FSR operation. System benefits include increased target cross section (over conventional bi/monostatic radar), increased target detection capability, robustness to stealth targets, decrease in sea clutter effects from synthesis of extremely narrow beams whilst using omni directional antennas and sub-Hertz Doppler frequency measurement capability. The experimental work investigates the use of an UWB FSR fence for security, UWB propagation measurements, UWB sea clutter measurements at very low grazing angles, UWB spectral coverage and the synthesis of narrow beamwidth antennas using forward scatter pulse transmission.