Maneuvering target detection in over-the-horizon radar by using adaptive chirplet transform and subspace clutter rejection

In over-the-horizon radar (OTHR) target detection, the signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) is very low, typically from -50 dB to -60 dB. Furthermore, for maneuvering targets, such as aircraft and missiles, Doppler frequencies of their radar return signals may be time-varying. In this case, the Fourier transform based techniques and super resolution spectrum estimation techniques may not work well since they use sinusoidal signal models. We propose a signal subspace clutter rejection algorithm combined with an adaptive chirplet transform technique for maneuvering target detection with OTHR. Simulation results of adding simulated maneuvering targets into raw OTHR clutter data are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The simulation results show that moving targets with -53.5 dB SCR can be detected.