High range resolution ground moving target ATR using advanced space-based SAR/MTI concepts

Abstract

This paper smmnarizes a preliminary investigation into a space-based multi-class system-oriented High Range Resolution (HRR) Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) algorithm. Recent conflicts have highlighted the need to detect, track and recognize time critical moving ground targets in all-weather standoff (airborne and space-based) sensor platforms. Current sensor technologies based on Moving Target Indication (MTI) and/or Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging are inadequate. While MT1 provides the ability to detect and track ground moving targets, it lacks target discrimination capability due to limited bandwidth. SAR has target discrimination capability for stationary targets, but target motion will blur the image. As a result, ATR of ground moving targets using HRR radar has recently received increased interest within the Air Force. The baseline algorithms presented in this paper are template-based mean squared error classifiers. The paper includes a brief introduction into recent HRR ATR efforts at the Air Force Research Laboratory Sensors Directorate's ATR Assessment Branch (AFRL/SNAA). Motivations and limitations for space- based sensors are discussed along with potential sensor fusion algorithms. The paper concludes by discussing the advantages of HRR ATR for feature aided