Incorporating target recognition technology into tracker radars

Technology is under development which can provide target identification capabilities for tracker radars, such as those supporting air defence weapons systems. Techniques are being developed which interleave high resolution radar modes and tracking modes, with no loss in tracking performance. A breadboard high resolution modification kit has been developed and integrated into the Blindfire tracker radar which supports the UK´s short range air defence Rapier missile system. Trials have been performed and high resolution range profiles have been generated in a few tens of milliseconds. In addition helicopter blade flash and propeller modulation have also been detected. The techniques have been designed to operate harmoniously with the normal radar tracking functions.