Hybrid clutter suppression using electronically scanned antennas

A method comprising:

• configuring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) as a plurality of subarrays;
• receiving one or more return signals from the AESA;
• calculating a sum beam power profile based on the one or more return signals;
• calculating a difference beam power profile comprising an azimuth difference power profile, based on the one or more return signals;
• calculating an elevation beam power profile based on the one or more return signals;
• calculating a summation beam power profile corresponding to a summation of the sum beam power profile, the difference beam power profile, and the elevation beam power profile;
• subtracting the difference beam power profile from the sum beam power profile to produce a delta power profile;
• applying a first predetermined threshold to the summation beam power profile to identify and suppress main lobe clutter;
• applying a second predetermined threshold to the delta power profile to identify and suppress sidelobe clutter;
• and
• identifying one or more targets of interest from the delta power profile.

A radar system comprising:

• an active electronically scanned array (AESA) comprising a plurality of subarrays;
• at least one processor in data communication with the AESA and a memory storing processor executable code for configuring the at least one processor to:
• receive one or more return signals from the AESA;
• calculate a sum beam power profile based on the one or more return signals;
• calculate a difference beam power profile comprising an azimuth difference power profile, based on the one or more return signals;
• calculate an elevation beam power profile based on the one or more return signals;
• calculate a summation beam power profile corresponding to a summation of the sum beam power profile, the difference beam power profile, and the elevation beam power profile;
• subtract the difference beam power profile from the sum beam power profile to produce a delta power profile;
• apply a first predetermined threshold to the summation beam power profile to identify and suppress main lobe clutter;
• apply a second predetermined threshold to the delta power profile to identify and suppress sidelobe clutter;
• and
• identify sidelobe clutter from the delta power profile.