Comparison of DOA Algorithms for Target Localization in UCA FM Bi-Static Passive Radar

This paper presents a comparative analysis of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation techniques for target localization using a uniform circular array (UCA) based passive bistatic radar (PBR). The algorithms investigated are: Compressive sensing-based DOA estimation, MUSIC, Beam-space MUSIC, Beam-space ESPIT and Steering matrix matched filtering. The aim of this work is to identify techniques that achieve best accuracy with least computational cost. The practical viability is demonstrated through real field data obtained using Prince Sultan Defense Studies and Research Center (PSDSARC) indigenous Passive Radar operating in FM Bistatic mode and tapping two commercial FM broadcast transmitters. The trial focused on air traffic passing over the city. A known closed form target localization scheme was used, and accuracy error was measured using ADSB data as ground truth. The results show that the PBR can localize target with an accuracy of 5° within the range of 100kms.