A knowledge-aided GMTI detection architecture [radar signal processing]

Space-time adaptive processing (STAP) plays an important role in ground moving target indication (GMTI). Heterogeneous clutter environments prevent STAP from achieving its theoretical performance bounds. The incorporation of a priori knowledge into the signal processing architecture holds the potential to greatly enhance detection performance by mitigating heterogeneous clutter effects. In this paper we propose one possible knowledge-aided STAP approach comprised of the following elements: a knowledge-aided prediction/estimation filter, a discrete matched filter, and a partially adaptive STAP applied to the clutter residual, assisted by knowledge-aided training. We focus our discussion on justifying the aforementioned elements and independently characterizing their performance potential. Using both measured and simulated data, we find the potential for substantial performance improvement.