Radar target classification using multiple perspectives

The problem of radar target classification is examined for the case when more than one perspective or viewing angle of the target is available to the sensor. Using full-scale target signature measurements as the source data, it is shown how, for the first time, multiple perspectives enhance the classification performance. Indeed this is the case even if only one additional perspective is available for exploitation. Further, we explore the classification performance both as a function of the number of perspectives and of the signal to noise ratio. Three approaches to high range resolution profile multi-perspective classification have been implemented. This removes any possible bias that could be introduced by a single individual classifier. The results show, for all three, a consistent improvement in the classification performance, as the number of perspectives is increased. The techniques employed also provide considerable insight into the classification process highlighting the degree of complexity of this extremely challenging problem.