Adaptive Detection Algorithms for Multiple-Target Situations

The performance of a mean-level detector is considered for the case where one or more interfering target returns are present in the set of cells used in estimating the clutter-plus-noise level. A serious degradation of detection probability is demonstrated for all of the single-pulse Swerling target fluctuation models (i. e., cases 0, 2, and 4). Indeed, for fixed mean radar cross sections of the primary and interfering targets, the probability of detecting the primary target is asymptotic to values significantly less than unity as the signal-to-noise ratios of the returns approach infinity. A class of alternative adaptive detection procedures is proposed and analyzed. These procedures, based on ranking and censoring techniques, maintain acceptable performance in the presence of interfering targets, and require only a minor addition in hardware to a conventional mean-level detector.