Radar Resolution of Closely Spaced Targets

This paper presents an analysis of the problem of the resolvability of two radar targets which are located close together, in the sense that any parameters of the targets being measured (e.g., range, range rate, range acceleration, azimuth, azimuth rate, etc.) are close together. Arbitrary sets of parameters are allowed, and it is assumed there is additive noise of arbitrary but known spectral shape. A criterion of resolvability is formulated, and in terms of this criterion equations are derived for the general case to show whether neighboring targets are resolvable. The results are specialized for the case of white-noise interference and the measurement of range and range rate.