The architecture and operating characteristics of a multi-frequency hf surfacewave radar - part one

To successfully operate a High Frequency Surface Wave Radar (HFSWR) the current understanding of the HF environment dictates a holistic approach to the problems encountered. The use of a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) architecture combined with strong frequency management techniques and multi-frequency operation can provide the quality of data required for robust tracking. The use of COTS technology, especially wideband HF digital receivers and digital waveform generators allows for the implementation of the required techniques in a practical system. Part one of this paper describes the basic MIMO system architecture, general operational characteristics and the tracking performance of an operational multi-frequency monostatic HF surfacewave radar. Part two of the paper exploits the quality of the tracking performance of the radar to extract target RCS characteristics. Other technical details of the multi-frequency operating characteristics are also presented.