Variability Study of Ka-Band HRR Polarimetric Signatures on Eleven T- 72 Tanks

摘要

In an effort to effectively understand signature verification requirements through the variability of a structure's Radar Cross Section (RCS) characteristics, the U.S. Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), with technical support from the Submillimeter-Wave Technology Laboratory (STL), University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, originated a signature project plan to obtain millimeter-wave (MMW) signatures from multiple similar tanks. In implementing this plan, NGIC/STL directed and sponsored turntable measurements performed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Sensors and Electromagnetic Resource Directorate on eleven T-72 tanks using a high-range resolution (HRR) full-polarimetric Ka-band radar. The physical condition and configuration of these vehicles were documented by careful inspection and then photographed during the acquisition sequence at 45 azimuth intervals. The turntable signature of one vehicle was acquired eight times over the 3-day signature acquisition period for establishing measurement variability on any single target. At several intervals between target measurements, the turntable signature of a 30 square meter trihedral also was acquired as a calibration reference for the signature library. Through an RCS goodness-of-fit correlation and ISAR comparison study, the signature-to-signature variability was evaluated for the 18 HRR turntable measurements of the T-72 tanks. This signature data is available from NGIC on request for Government Agencies and Government Contractors with an established need-to-know.