Multistatic networked radar for sea clutter measurements

NetRad, consisting of three fully coherent S-Band (2400 MHz) nodes, synchronised by clock and trigger cables, or, GPS Disciplined Oscillators (GPSDOs) with a programmable trigger, has been underdevelopment at UCL and UCT for a number of years. Basic output power is low (200 mW), but a high power transmitter (500 W peak) is available for one node. The cable links limit bistatic baselines to some 100 m but the GPS Oscillator option allows for full multistatic operation, including forward scatter. The nodes are tied together by means of a wireless network (5 GHz) and command and control software, which allows the radars to be triggered remotely via the GPSDOs, and the data capture parameters of the nodes to be altered at will. Sensible results on small targets out to 2 km are possible, longer for large targets. We show measurements from trials on sea clutter and moving targets, in the south of the UK and near Simon's Town, South Africa.