Abstract A method and apparatus for recording analog high-range resolution radar target signatures from single airborne targets encompassed within a moving range window on digital magnetic tape formatted for direct analysis by general purpose computers. Target echoes in the form of one-dimensional range profiles of radar backscatter along target length from each of a successive number of transmitted pulses are sampled and recorded at incrementally increasing range positions within a range window until the window has been completely sampled. The apparatus samples each signature at each occurrence of a sampling pulse from a timing unit controlled by a range tracker and holds the obtained sample until the next pulse is provided. Each time a complete range window is sampled, the moving sample-point sampling sequence is repeated and another signature is reconstructed. The sampled output is time-multiplexed with range, azimuth, and elevation data and recorded in digital form on digital magnetic tape which can be utilized in general purpose computers to analyze signature variation with respect to target aspect variation.
The method of converting analog high-range resolution radar data from remote targets into digital data compatible with general purpose digital computers comprising the steps of: illuminating a target under investigation with linear FM pulses of microwave energy having a range resolution of approximately 1 foot; receiving successive reflected one-dimensional range profiles of microwave energy backscatter along the length of said targets; said range profiles being unique for each different remote target in accordance with the geometric configuration of the scatter centers on each of said different remote target; detecting each of said successive reflected range profiles from said target under investigation; sampling each of the detected successive range profiles at a selectively predetermined rate and at incrementally increasing range positions corresponding to the target length to thereby produce an analog digital output; converting said analog digital output into a digital output; and recording said digital output on digital magnetic tape.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
150 words
The method of converting analog high-range resolution radar data from remote targets into digital data compatible with general purpose digital computers comprising the steps of: illuminating a target under investigation with linear FM pulses of microwave energy having a range resolution of approximately 1 foot; receiving successive reflected one-dimensional range profiles of microwave energy backscatter along the length of said targets; said range profiles being unique for each different remote target in accordance with the geometric configuration of the scatter centers on each of said different remote target; detecting each of said successive reflected range profiles from said target under investigation; sampling each of the detected successive range profiles at a selectively predetermined rate and at incrementally increasing range positions corresponding to the target length to thereby produce an analog digital output; converting said analog digital output into a digital output; and recording said digital output on digital magnetic tape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 further including the steps of time-multiplexing and recording target position information with the recorded digital data whereby the variation of said range profiles with respect to target aspect variation can be computed by said general purpose digital computers.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
77 words
The method of recording on digital magnetic tape high-range resolution radar target signatures comprising the steps of: illuminating a remote target with an RF pulse having a range resolution of approximately 1 foot; detecting received target signatures; sampling in a moving sample-point mode a selectively predetermined number of successive detected target signatures to thereby produce an analog sampled output; converting said analog sampled output into a digital output; and recording said digital output on digital magnetic tape.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
77 words
The method of recording on digital magnetic tape high-range resolution radar target signatures comprising the steps of: illuminating a remote target with an RF pulse having a range resolution of approximately 1 foot; detecting received target signatures; sampling in a moving sample-point mode a selectively predetermined number of successive detected target signatures to thereby produce an analog sampled output; converting said analog sampled output into a digital output; and recording said digital output on digital magnetic tape.