Simulating sea clutter via the compound-k distribution

A number of methods for simulating compound-k-distributed sea clutter are summarised. Comparison with real sea clutter data is made. Criteria to be satisfied include amplitude fluctuation statistics, spectral density and, problematically, temporal and spatial correlation. Correct modelling of the correlation properties is important for accurate estimates of radar detection calculations, and CFAR performance and CFAR loss calculations. These aspects of sea clutter modelling are discussed. This paper will be of interest to those in the radar community who are investigating the statistics of sea clutter, radar detection performance modelling, or CFAR detection techniques.