Effect of integration time on detection performance of MTI and STAP algorithms in HF radar

Surface wave over the horizon radar systems have a potential to detect targets falling far beyond optical horizon. Unfortunately, first and second order clutter scattered from the ocean surface, in combination with interferences, can prevent successful deployment of such systems. In this paper we compare different adaptive MTI and space-time adaptive processing algorithms applied to the surface wave high frequency radar system data. The aim of the experiments was to detect small targets (20-30 m long) at distances about 50 km. Radar system used in the experiments is an oceanographic, surface-wave, high-frequency system WERA, designed to perform continuous monitoring of sea currents and waves. System used in this research is located at the east coast of France, in Brittany. Main task of the system is to provide continuous, real-time information about currents and waves in the English (La Manche) Channel entry area, where heavy ship traffic is present.