SBIR-STTR Award

RDRTec proposes to demonstrate a testbed for the robust detection and discrimination of periscope masts using coherent SAR. This will include sensor-independent image-formation, high-false alarm rate detection capable of detecting small targets with weak signatures, followed by a set of modular screening and discrimination techniques which can be tested for their efficacy in reducing the false alarm rate and classifying remaining targets. Image formation will be performed using, Real-time Video Synthetic Aperture Radar (VSAR). Detection and discrimination will use RDRTecs algorithms for Small Maritime Target Detection and Discrimination. Collectively the testbed is referred to as CADD (Coherent Airborne techniques for small target Detection and Discrimination). It will be enhanced with new innovative techniques influenced by analytical and numerical analysis of representative, simplified simulations of radar cross sections of submarine masts as well as available data in order to develop an insight into the scattering mechanisms as a function of viewing angle, mast configuration and exposure, the surrounding sea state and radar operating frequency. Our testbed will include single and multichannel coherent processing, sparse signal separation approaches, and time-frequency analysis. Initially the testbed will be primarily a logic-based expert system, but machine learning approaches for discrimination and screening will be explored.

Benefit:
At the completion of this phase I effort, assuming the approach is demonstrated to be feasible, RDRTec will be postured for a Phase II effort to prototype an enhanced CADD system that applies innovative high-altitude periscope detection and discrimination techniques suitable for transition. A successful Phase II prototype would then lead to a new radar mode and processing algorithms suitable for detection and discrimination of submarine periscopes from high altitude while maintaining high area rate of coverage. This is of high value to the warfighter and would be of interest to multiple USN airborne platforms. RDRTec has a proven track record of transitioning radar modes such as this.

Keywords:
small target detection, small target detection, target discrimination, Periscope, SAR, CADD, VSAR

The goal of this program is to prototype an innovative submarine mast signature detection and discrimination approach for high-altitude airborne maritime surveillance radars to separate masts from unassociated sea clutter returns as well as returns from other man-made objects such as buoys and small boats. In phase I, RDRTec enhanced our CADD (Challenging-target Airborne Detection & Discrimination) toolkit to demonstrate robust mast detection and discrimination capability from high altitude platforms using both previously collected real-world SAR data and simulated radar returns from mast and sea models generated by HyPerComp. CADD includes coherent and non-coherent techniques for: (1) sensor-independent signal processing, (2) a high-false alarm rate detector capable of detecting small targets with weak signatures (3) a set of modular screening and discrimination techniques which separate targets of interest from clutter, significantly reducing the false alarm rate and (4) target classification. This approach addresses the challenges posed by the high-altitude platform, including higher clutter levels, additional confusers from the sea surface, and reduced spatial resolution. In phase II, RDRTec will address 360-degree coverage, reduced probability of intercept, and continue to refine, tune, and demonstrate CADD algorithms for high-altitude submarine mast detection. While generically applicable to a wide range of platforms and sensors, we will focus on transition of CADD to the Triton platform.

Benefit:
If successful, this program will result in a third-party radar mode ready for integration into Triton. The new mode will support mission needs for challenging target detection and discrimination. Because the mode will have been developed to be compatible with the upcoming Triton open architecture RSP upgrade. To the extent that Triton selects an OA that is the same or similar to other military platforms the mode will also be readily transitioned to those platforms as well.

Keywords:
CADD, Challenging Target Detection, Triton, SAR, Open Architecture