Sub-array level simulation of an active electronically scanned array radar for integrated system design

An overview of a complete simulation of an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system is given. The Airborne Radar Environment Simulation (ARES) tool has been developed to represent signals emanating from the radar´s environment at the sub-array level. This data forms the input to a test bed simulation in which signal processing algorithms can be developed, in particular adaptive beam forming (ABF) and space-time adaptive processing (STAP) techniques which make use of the sub-array signals. Examples of the outputs from the simulations are presented. The philosophy and methodology of radar systems design and development using simulations is discussed.