An improved and affordable space-time adaptive processing approach

A space-time adaptive processing (STAP) method is described which uses only the mainbeam or sum (Sigma) and difference (Delta) channels of an airborne radar for adaptive suppression of clutter in the joint angle-Doppler domain. This method, called Sigma Delta-STAP, dramatically reduces system implementation cost, as it requires only two digitized channels, and is also applicable as an upgrade to both phased array and continuous aperture airborne radar systems. It is shown that Sigma Delta-STAP offers near optimal performance and requires much smaller sample. support than other approaches, which is critical for successful operation in severely nonhomogeneous clutter, Other advantages of Sigma Delta-STAP identified in this paper include significantly simplified system calibration and well-behaved response patterns.