A simple method to determine airborne radar detection performance in clutter

For the case of high-pulse repetition frequency (PRF) radars or low-PRF radars, the author argues that, assuming a constant azimuth sidelobe level and Doppler signal processing, it is possible to determine the clutter-to-noise level at the Doppler filter output for any pulse repetition rate using the simplified approach which is described. Although only high- and low-PRF radars are used, this method is effective for all PRFs. For medium PRFs, modification of the procedure, depending on sidelobe clutter overlap, will yield the desired result. However, high-PRF radars are the desirable approach for the airborne application because they provide a clutter-free detection region in Doppler. It is necessary to achieve low-azimuth sidelobes to realize their full benefits.