Provision of moving target indication in an independent bistatic radar receiver

The paper describes a technique for implementing moving target indication (m.t.i.) in an independent bistatic radar receiver. Conventional techniques for m.t.i., and the particular features and advantages of the bistatic radar configuration are also reviewed. The technique of phase priming by clutter echoes is suggested as a means for providing a coherent reference at the receiver, without need for any link between radar transmitter and receiver. An oscillator at the receiver is primed at the instant of switch-on at the beginning of each p.r.i. with a small sample of echo signal from close-in stable clutter, such that its phase is determined by that of the clutter echo. This enables m.t.i. processing to be obtained, just as with a conventional monostatic radar system. An experimental system using this principle is described, and results demonstrated and discussed.