Target detection improvement using blind channel equalization OTHR communication

In this paper, we introduce a blind channel equalization method for over-the-horizon-radar (OTHR) system based on the sea clutter signal. First, we establish that the radar signal, at different time recurrences, can be represented by a MIMO model taking into consideration the propagation parameters (Doppler, delay and attenuation) of the multipath channel. Then, we show that thanks to the Doppler diversity, one can separate the two components of the sea clutter (referred to as Bragg lines) which allows us to reduce the problem to a SIMO one. A CMA-like blind equalization algorithm is then applied to invert the system and combine coherently the channel multipaths. The channel and Doppler information are finally used to mitigate the sea clutter interference and the multipath effect and hence improve the detection and Doppler estimation of the desired target signal.