Modelling the radar signature of rotorcraft

Abstract

The problem of radar helicopter detection and classification requires simple and fast modelling of rotorcraft signature to aid the design of specific waveforms or to provide quality training data to machine learning algorithms. Here, we present a modular parametric model for the baseband radar cross-section of helicopters in the narrowband approximation. Every significant element of the complex rotorcraft signature is identified and its signature is reproduced faithfully. The full model is validated by comparing simulated data with real radar helicopter data. Particularly important features, such as the overall time-frequency response, blade flash shape and blade flash duration, are shown to be reconstructed very accurately.