Millimeter-wave backscatter measurements in support of surface navigation applications

Millimeter-wave (MMW) radars and radiometers are emerging as reliable and low-cost systems in numerous commercial and military applications. MMW short-range radar systems have a unique advantage in surface navigation applications, such as military vehicle mobility in inclement conditions, aircraft landing guidance and automobile collision avoidance. MMW short-range systems provide acceptable angular resolutions, but are superior in performance compared to optical systems under conditions of rain, fog, or smoke. Their small size makes them particularly advantageous in space-limited systems. We present 95 GHz MMW grazing angle clutter data obtained from distributed surfaces. Sigma-zero values at grazing angles of 5.0 and 7.5 degrees were obtained from fresh snow and asphalt covered distributed surfaces. The probability distribution of the received clutter power is also discussed. A brief description of the MMW radar system and experimental setup is also included.