Multiple-input multiple-output radar search strategies for high-velocity targets

The radar detection of high-velocity targets with a multiple-element antenna array is considered. The detection performance of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar with orthogonal waveforms is compared with that of a radar using a directed beam. An analytical expression for the probability of detection for a radar with a multiple-element array is derived. For high-velocity targets, the decrease in probability of detection because of the longer integration time required for MIMO radar is quantified. It is shown that for lower-velocity targets, sector search using orthogonal waveforms results has similar detection range performance to that of scanning directed beams. For higher-velocity targets, the use of scanning directed beams yields larger detection range.