Sub-array level simulation of an active electronically scanned array radar for integrated system design

An overview of a complete simulation of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system is given. The Airborne Radar Environment Simulation (ARES) tool has been developed to represent signals emanating from the radar's environment at the sub-array level. This data forms the input to a test bed simulation in which signal processing algorithms can be developed, in particular adaptive beam forming (ABF) and space-time adaptive processing (STAP) techniques which make use of the sub-array signals. Examples of the outputs from the simulations are presented. The philosophy and methodology of radar systems design and development using simulations is discussed.