Target identification using fractional Fourier features

This paper focuses on non-cooperative automatic target recognition via features extracted from the radar backscatter returns using the Fractional Fourier Transform. This study is motivated by two factors: first, to examine radar backscatter mechanism of standard small targets, and second, to extract pertinent scattering features that can be used in target recognition. Radar returns have been examined using time-frequency analysis techniques, particularly those targets with dispersive scattering behavior. The Fractional Fourier Transform provides an attractive alternative to time-frequency analysis. The motivation lies in the fact that fractional Fourier Transform features retain phase information, and, because of their linear structure, are potentially less susceptible to noise contamination compared to their time-frequency counterparts. The fractional Fourier Transform has its disadvantages as well which are addressed in this paper. The FrFT scattering analysis scheme is tested using real radar signatures of commercial aircraft recorded in the UHF range.