On parametric detection of small targets in sea clutter

A new algorithm is presented that instantaneously estimates the clutter characteristics in the environment of the radar cell that is processed. No a priori information is used, since the algorithm operates directly on the data of the incoming burst. It is a technique that adapts continuously and instantaneously to the environment. The algorithm, after having identified the sea clutter rejects this sea clutter from the data; thus enhancing the probability of detecting small objects in a clutter environment. The final step is the actual detection that makes use of the advantages of the parametric representation. This results in a lower rate of false detections and as a consequence the later stages, like clustering and tracking, receive a more accurate input. The technique behind this algorithm uses recent developments in parametric time series analysis and performs well in suppressing sea as well as land clutter.