An Experimental Study of HF Passive Bistatic Radar Via Hybrid Sky-Surface Wave Mode

This paper presents a description of recent research and development in HF passive bistatic radar (HFPBR) based on DRM digital AM broadcasting at Wuhan University, China. First, preliminary evaluation of its detection performance with special focus on the hybrid sky-surface wave propagation mode is introduced. Then, DRM broadcasting signal analysis as a radar waveform and associated signal processing techniques are described, consisting of ambiguity function analysis, reference signal extraction, multipath clutter rejection, and target localization. Finally, the experimental system and experimental data analysis are provided. Initial results from field experiments show that DRM-based HFPBR with hybrid sky-surface wave is a promising system for wide area moving target detection and ocean remote sensing.