Coherent adaptive radar detection in non-Gaussian clutter

Adaptive detection of fluctuating radar targets in unknown correlated Gaussian disturbances has received considerable attention in the past. Kelly´s (1986) generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is the preferred algorithm for detecting Swerling-I targets in Gaussian noise. However, the problem of adaptive detection in non-Gaussian environment is still under investigation. In this paper we pursue two aims: to investigate the performance of Kelly´s GLRT in non-Gaussian clutter; (ii) to derive a detection algorithm with constant false alarm rate (CFAR) behavior with respect to the amplitude probability density function (apdf) parameters and to the correlation structure of the disturbance that outperforms Kelly´s GLRT in non-Gaussian clutter. Performance analysis is presented using both simulated data and real sea clutter data.