Estimation of array mutual coupling and sensor positions for over-the-horizon radar

In this paper the Weiss-Friedlander (1989, 1991) MUSIC-type approach, for estimating sensor positions and mutual coupling, are combined and extended for over-the-horizon (OTH) radar applications. The method proposed uses a more accurate model for the coupling matrix, with more unknowns, and uses disjoint sources of opportunity to estimate the coupling matrix and sensor positions. Simulations are conducted, using an experimentally measured coupling matrix, to illustrate the performance of this method. We also show that for OTH radar, echoes from ionised meteor trails may be used as reliable sources of opportunity