Radar Clutter

The ground is a major consideration for most airborne systems, with uncontrolled interactions normally ending badly.  Airborne radar is no exception, and the effects of ground clutter are arguably the major challenge facing airborne radars. Ground clutter is visible over a wide range of directions, appears at most ranges of interest, and is moving relative to the radar.  To make matters worse, antenna characteristics along with range and Doppler ambiguities mean that ground clutter rears its ugly in places where it has no business being.  Mother Nature is clearly doing her best to ensure that engineers have enough challenges to keep them out of mischief.

The primary characteristics of ground clutter will be evaluated to provide insight into how it affects airborne radar systems.  The way radar properties influence the effect of ground clutter will then be explored with a view to understanding the origin of some of the unique characteristics of airborne radars.  Finally, some approaches to minimising the effect of ground clutter will be addressed to develop an appreciation of why airborne radar systems operate the way they do.