An Approach to Modeling The Effectiveness of MTI Radars in Detecting Dynamic RCS

Typically, constructive force-on-force simulations requiring radar detection make use of the statistical models of probability of detection for time-varying Radar Cross Section developed by Peter Swerling (1960). The Swerling models assume various statistical distributions of RCS data that may include slow or rapid fluctuations (scintillation) and may or may not include a dominant scatterer or a collection of equally significant scattering sources. The Swerling models, therefore, include both steady state and random components of RCS in determining the Probability of Detection. The Swerling models are inadequate for helicopter RCS detection modeling, because a helicopter signature is dominated by the periodic flash from the main rotor blade. This paper discusses a methodology developed by Boeing for capturing the statistics of the modulated scintillating RCS by creating histograms for RCS levels. The histograms are then used by a Monte-Carlo routine in our constructive simulation model, ATCOM to provide higher fidelity detection simulation than was possible using only the Swerling models.