Signal detection in multi-frequency Forward Scatter Radar

The peculiarity of Forward Scatter Radar (FSR) is the absence of range resolution. As a consequence, possible low signal-to-clutter ratio is the most limiting factor in FSR detection. In this paper we will discuss non-coherent and coherent FSR Doppler signal processing and consider an alternative cross-correlation approach, which could be called `quasi-coherent´ processing. Multi-frequency radar enables correlation of Doppler output of one of the channels with another which can be considered as the matching waveform, or the reference signal, to the first signal. This leads to a compression of the FSR return by cross-correlation with enhanced processing gain, and, consequently, enhanced detection.