Radar performance modelling for the real world

Computer modelling and simulation of radar systems has been with us for many years, but has enjoyed only varying degrees of success when modelled performance is compared with the real world. The difficulty has been the accuracy with which models can represent the system and hence provide predictions of behaviour. Extensive tests and trials of radar systems have always been essential to demonstrate final performance although often at great expense. Modelling has a role to play in reducing the costs of today´s and future systems´ development. This has largely come about through the rapid advances made in computer technology enabling engineers to model and simulate their systems to a low enough level of resolution so that numerical techniques can replace purely analytical techniques which are often based on assumptions of convenience. In all cases of modelling, however, the predictions of radar system performance are of limited value unless the modelling simulations are credible, and this means more than just providing artistic graphical presentations of results. This paper discusses the importance of integrated modelling plans, model validation strategies, the need for customer visibility and provides an example of how the cost of trials has been drastically reduced without compromising the achievement of actual radar performance by bringing the real world home