Further observations on the detection of small targets in sea clutter

It is shown, contrary to usual belief, that a 2° beamwidth antenna will (for usual display parameters) give better detection of small targets in sea clutter than a 1° beamwidth antenna for short pulse (0.05 to 0.1 ¿s) radar. The inadequacy of the logarithmic receiver as a constant false alarm rate processor for high definition sea-clutter is discussed, and the improvement from using a log-log characteristic demonstrated. Further advantage may accrue from following this system by a median detector. The advantages of high speed antenna scanning (400 rev/min or greater) to decorrelate clutter and establish pattern recognition on fast moving targets are considered, and proposals for a system embodying fast antenna scanning, median detector processing, and a memory display are advanced.