Bistatic Radar Based on DAB Illuminators: The Evolution of a Practical System

Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) has massive potential for the development of passive bistatic radar. A project to build DAB based radar is described, together with its advantages and disadvantages. Several serious obstacles need to be overcome in order to make the system a reality. Most importantly, these include the removal of direct signal interference and the extraction of the illuminating signal in a form suitable for detections. Progress towards the solution of these problems will be described. In addition, some real aircraft detections are included to prove the viability of a practical system.