Omni Scanning DPCA using Two Passive Antennas with Vertical Separation

In tactical theater, it is crucial to detect ground moving targets and to locate them precisely. This problem can be resolved by using SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) sensors providing GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indication) capability. In general, to implement a robust GMTI sensor is not simple because of the strong competitions between target signals and clutter signals from the ground, and low speed of moving targets. Contrary to the case that a delay canceller is mostly suitable for ground surveillance radars, DPCA (Displaced Phase Centered Antenna) or STAP (Space Time Adaptive Processing) techniques have been widely adapted for GMTI function of modern airborne radars. In this paper, a new scheme of DPCA using two passive antennas with vertical separation is proposed, which also provides good clutter cancellation performance. The proposed scheme realizes full azimuth coverage for DPCA operation on an airborne platform, which is impossible with classical DPCA configuration. Simulations using various conditions have been performed to validate the proposed scheme, and the results are acceptable.