SEVR: A LPD Metric for a 3-D Battle Space

A new metric, the spherical equivalent vulnerability radius (SEVR), for evaluating the low probability of detection (LPD) attributes of emitting systems is developed and proposed. The metric extends the classical CEVR to three dimensions. The SEVR is defined as the radius of an equivalent sphere defined by the actual detection volume around a receiver given a desired level of vulnerability. The extension makes possible a vulnerability assessment of emitting platforms capable of maneuvering in up to six-degrees-of-freedom (e.g. aircraft) while accounting for ground, airborne, and space borne threats operating in arbitrary geometries with respect to the emitter. We demonstrate how to evaluate the LPD performance using the SEVR and its value as a single parameter summary statistic versus classic CEVR in a test case scenario. As is shown, the primary factors affecting the SEVR are the spatial selectivity of the emitting system antenna and the threat interceptors' sensitivity. A major benefit of the SEVR is eliminating explicit intercept geometry from the evaluation. Of particular interest is the application of SEVR in the design and evaluation of communications antennas for stealth aircraft, as well as in mission planning.