Joint estimation of spatial and motional radar target parameters by multidimensional spectral analysis

In this paper we investigate the suitability of modern multidimensional spectral analysis techniques for the estimation of radar target parameters. A short survey of both classical and alternative methods is given. The latter comprise high- and superresolution spectral analysis techniques like 2D-MUSIC, 2D-Minimum Variance, and recently published 2D-AR spectrum estimators. The performance characteristics are evaluated by systematic benchmarks, including spectral resolution, high signal dynamics, and multi-tone capacity. Field trials with a military C-band surveillance radar demonstrate the high potential of the alternative multidimensional spectrum estimators under real-world conditions with regard to the joint estimation of spatial and motional radar target parameters.