Ground moving target identification using UHF UWB frequency jump burst ISAR

Traditional ground target identification from a standoff platform using SAR is limited due to inadequate integration angles and severe target motion. For UHF operation the integration angle requirements are magnified. However, this same phenomenology that limits the application of SAR opens the door for inverse SAR (ISAR). The principal challenges facing ISAR´s applicability to moving ground target identification are limited by non-periodic target motion and poor signal-to-clutter performance due to severe standoff and integrated sidelobe return. This paper will investigate these key challenges and propose an ultra wide band frequency jump burst waveform and ISAR image formation techniques to combat these challenges. The results will compare traditional ISAR with the proposed approach.