Test and evaluation of the Moving Target Detector (MTD) radar

TLDR: In this paper, a moving target detector (MTD) terminal radar processor system was evaluated to determine its capability to provide radar data suitable for utilization by the Automated Radar Terminal System.

Abstract: : The moving target detector (MTD) terminal radar processor system was evaluated to determine its capability to provide radar data suitable for utilization by the Automated Radar Terminal System. The major objective of testing was to compare the target detection in clutter performance of the MTD system with that of the best terminal radar processor system in the FAA inventory. The comparative tests were conducted using test signals and flight test aircraft. The test signals were used to determine false alarm rates, probability of detection, accuracy, velocity response, and subclutter visibility capabilities. Flight testing was performed to determine subclutter visibility, subweather visibility, and target resolution capabilities. Additional tests were performed to determine the compatibility of the MTD processor with terminal radar systems currently in use in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The results of the tests demonstrated that the MTD system capability to detect targets in a clutter environment was much better than that of present FAA systems. It effectively eliminated all clutter experienced in the National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center (NAFEC) radar environment. The MTD processor is compatible with present FAA radar systems. (Author)