The detection and tracking of small fast boats using HF surface wave radar

Small fast boats such as the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) are in increasing use in marine operations of all types. The detection and tracking of these craft is thus of growing importance to many authorities. This type of craft however can be extremely difficult to detect using conventional microwave radar systems. However, though not an obvious candidate, HF surface wave radar (HFSWR) has been considered as a sensor for detection of this type of craft. The small size, low profile and construction materials of a RIB make it a difficult target to detect with any radar. The small dimensions make it a particularly difficult target for a sensor using long wavelength radiation such as HFSWR, and hence HFSWR has not traditionally been considered as a sensor for this type of craft. This paper presents previous work carried out to explore the potential of HFSWR to detect small fast boats such as the RIB. Modelling work and trial results are presented for a typical 5.4 metre RIB