Method and apparatus for estimating the detection range of a radar

Abstract

A method and apparatus estimate the detection range R.sub.1 of a radar in the presence of noise and clutter. The radar return signals from a range cell under test and from a plurality of surrounding range cells on either side of the range cell under test are measured. From the values of the return signals from the surrounding cells, a factor .alpha. is determined. The mean value of those signals is then multiplied to form a threshold value for determining the presence or absence of a target. A desired false alarm rate is maintained, however. A number of radar return signals sufficient substantially to average out local variations in clutter are used to determine a mean clutter value m.sub.c. A value which is a function of .alpha. and m.sub.c is output as the estimate of detection range R.sub.1.

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