Optimal Coherent Processing Interval Selection for Aerial Maneuvering Target Imaging Using Tracking Information

When a target is in complex three-dimensional (3-D) motions, inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) images cannot be obtained with any motion compensation algorithms. In this case, selecting optimal coherent processing interval (CPI) (or frame) of the fixed rotational axis is the only way to obtain focused ISAR images. In this article, we focus on selecting optimal CPI for ISAR imaging of maneuvering targets, and a novel method using tracking information is proposed. Without complex computational procedures, the proposed method provides robust performance. The method includes three steps. First, target's orientation (roll, pitch, and yaw) is estimated by using an extended Kalman filter. Second, the least-square method is adopted to find the best fitted lines of roll, pitch, and yaw angles in different time intervals, and the linearity degrees of the three rotation angles are measured over the imaging intervals. Third, the thresholds of the linearity degrees are set, according to which, optimal CPIs can be selected. The performance of proposed method is demonstrated using both simulated data and measured data. In both cases, optimal CPIs can be selected and well-focused ISAR images can be achieved.