Cognitive waveform and receiver selection mechanism for multistatic radar

Novel cognitive radar (CR) approach to improve the extended targets detection and resolution is developed in a multistatic radar context. A cognitive waveform selection mechanism based on target probability of detection maximisation in conjunction with adaptive receiver allocation/selection is proposed. Apart from the cognitive waveform selection objective, this process aims at evaluating the optimal positions for the radar receivers in an attempt to iteratively minimise the geometric dilution of precision, subsequently resulting in a high precision target geolocation estimate. The cognitive waveform selection mechanism is based on target dynamics involving time varying target scattering characteristics and clutter distribution parameters. Thus with the proposed dual objective approach, the concept of cognition can be extended to both the radar transmitter and receiver sites. Numerical results demonstrate better target detection performance and positioning accuracy using the proposed approach as compared with conventional methods based on static transmission or stationary multistatic receivers topology.