Ship detection and tracking using high frequency surface wave radar

High frequency surface wave radar has the unique ability to remotely sense targets and environmental parameters over the sea beyond the horizon limit associated with conventional radar systems. The GEC Marconi Research Centre has established a HF surface wave radar test bed on the Essex coast for research and development purposes. This system has been used to develop, test and demonstrate techniques applicable to HF radar systems. This paper describes the test bed and presents results from ship detection and tracking experiments that have been carried out with the system.