Development and Performance of an Ultrawideband Stepped-Frequency Radar for Landmine and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Detection

摘要

Under support from the Army Research Laboratory’s Partnerships inrnResearch Transition program, a stepped-frequency radar (SFR) is currently underrndevelopment, which allows for manipulation of the radiated spectrum while stillrnmaintaining an effective ultra-wide bandwidth. The SFR is a vehicle-mountedrnforward-looking ground-penetrating radar designed for high-resolution detection ofrnburied landmines and improvised explosive devices. The SFR can be configured tornprecisely excise prohibited or interfering frequency bands and also possesses frequency-rnhopping capabilities. This paper discusses the expected performance featuresrnof the SFR as derived from laboratory testing and characterization. Ghosts andrnartifacts appearing in the range profile arise from gaps in the operating band whenrnthe system is configured to omit specific frequencies. An analysis of these effects isrndiscussed and our current solution is presented. Future prospects for the SFR arernalso discussed, including data collection campaigns at the Army’s Adelphi LaboratoryrnCenter and the Countermine Test Site.