Estimating the parameters of the K-distribution using the ML/MOM approach

The K-distribution has been successfully applied in many radar systems as a model for the radar clutter envelope. We consider the problem of estimating the scale and shape parameters of the K-distribution using a new approach that combines the maximum likelihood method with the method of moments. Simulation results show that the proposed method is superior to existing higher and fractional order moment based techniques. Additionally, unlike the maximum likelihood method, the new technique does not involve intensive numerical procedures making it applicable in practical systems