Non-adaptive multiple-input, multiple-output radar techniques for reducing clutter

Multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) radars enhance performance by transmitting and receiving coded waveforms from multiple locations. This paper describes MIMO techniques that can be used to improve radar performance, especially in airborne ground moving target indicator (GMTI) applications. The authors begin by showing how MIMO techniques can lower airborne radar clutter to noise ratios (CNRs). This results in smaller losses when observing stationary or low-velocity targets. Next, the authors consider the implementation of MIMO radar modes using electronically scanned arrays (ESAs). Specifically, the authors show how MIMO techniques, applied to subarray-based ESAs, can cause high grating lobes and/or reduced search rates. To address this problem, the authors describe new space/time waveform coding techniques that can be used to improve performance. Two space/time waveform encoding approaches are proposed: (i) an overlapped virtual transmit subarray approach, and (ii) a beamspace MIMO approach. A third approach, involving conventional MIMO waveforms and irregular subarrays, is also briefly considered.