Iterative adaptive approach STAP algorithm based on arc antenna array

Abstract The radar with arc antenna array has the advantages of all-orientation space scanning, simultaneous estimation of pitch-azimuth angle and good antenna pattern. However, due to the special geometry of the antenna, the echoes from different range cells are not independently and identically distributed (IID) samples, resulting in performance degradation in space-time adaptive processing technology. In this paper, the model of airborne radar with arc antenna array is established, and the clutter distribution is analyzed. The conclusion is that the nonlinear variation of spatial angular frequency with array element number results in the non-uniform clutter distribution in different range cells. Therefore, the traditional space-time adaptive processing is not fit for the target detection of arc array radar. Hence, the arc array-based iterative adaptive approach (IAA) algorithm is studied. The IAA algorithm is utilized to estimate the space-time spectrum, which can distinguish clutter and targets. Simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the IAA algorithm in arc array radar.