An assessment of multi-static radar remote sensor networks

Bistatic radar has been considered for many years as an element of ground based air defense systems to counter against low observable airframes. To achieve these benefits, it is necessary to deploy the network of bistatic radar elements across an area where a large proportion of the reflected energy is anticipated. For security and vulnerability reasons this network is typically deployed within safe, protected areas. This requirement limits the range of applications to which bistatic and multi-static radar can be applied. The recent emergence of unattended ground sensors (UGS) and uninhabited air vehicle (UAV), systems shows that these platforms are sufficiently mature for consideration as remote receiver/transmitter sites. However for this to be realized it is essential that the cost, capability and vulnerability of these sensors is considered. Within This work a multi-static radar tool which is used to compare a range of multi-static radar network distributions is described. This tool is used to assess detection capability and hence indicate comparative costs for two geometric targets frying a linear path.