Segmented AESA Radar Subarrays for Multi-Beam Clutter Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current airborne weather radar systems face challenges in robust ground clutter suppression with high detection probability and low false alarm rates, particularly in commercial applications, due to costly hardware and computationally intensive processing requirements, which hinder efficient multi-functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam multi-function radar antenna system utilizing a single active electronically scanned array (AESA) segmented into subarrays, enabling independent steering and simultaneous operation of multiple beams for continuous ground clutter suppression and additional functions like weather detection and predictive wind shear, by dynamically adjusting subarray size, beam characteristics, and power settings based on aircraft state and phase of flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sophisticated multi-mode military airborne radars with multiple-PRF and modulated waveforms are employed, then ground clutter suppression and detection probability improve, but hardware cost becomes prohibitively costly for commercial operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AESA aperture into multiple subarrays that can be independently controlled to generate multiple simultaneous beams. This segmentation allows a single AESA to perform multiple functions (ground clutter suppression, weather detection, ground mapping, collision avoidance) that would otherwise require separate radar systems, thereby reducing hardware cost while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional radar system where a single AESA with segmented aperture serves multiple purposes: weather detection, ground mapping, predictive wind shear detection, and ground clutter suppression. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing overall hardware cost while maintaining the reliability of each individual function
2Reliability
If Space Time Adaptive Processing (STAAP) is used for ground clutter suppression, then detection probability improves, but computational intensity and hardware sophistication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aperture into subarrays that can form multiple simultaneous beams, allowing ground clutter suppression to be performed continuously in parallel with other radar functions. This eliminates the need for computationally intensive post-processing STAAP by distributing the suppression function across multiple independent beams, reducing computational intensity while maintaining detection probability
3Reliability
If electromechanically scanned systems perform 2-beam or 4-beam patterns for ground clutter suppression, then ground clutter suppression capability improves, but time expenditure for scanning increases to 8-16 seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical scanning with electronic beam steering using a segmented AESA. Multiple beams can be formed and steered electronically to different directions simultaneously without any mechanical movement, reducing the time required from 8-16 seconds to near-instantaneous electronic reconfiguration, while maintaining the ground clutter suppression capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous ground clutter suppression by forming multiple simultaneous beams that continuously monitor different elevation angles. Unlike sequential electromechanical scanning that requires 8-16 seconds to complete, the electronic segmented AESA maintains continuous surveillance of multiple beams simultaneously, eliminating time loss and enabling the radar to use the pulse epoch for additional multi-functionality
4Device complexity
If a single fixed AESA is used without segmentation, then hardware cost is reduced, but the ability to perform continuous ground clutter suppression and multiple functions simultaneously is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single AESA aperture into multiple subarrays that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the single AESA to perform multiple functions simultaneously (weather detection, ground mapping, collision avoidance, ground clutter suppression) by directing different subarrays to different functions, thereby achieving adaptability and versatility without requiring multiple separate radar systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering and subarray configuration capabilities that allow the radar system to adapt to different operational requirements in real-time. The segmented aperture can be dynamically reconfigured to prioritize different functions based on flight phase and operational needs, providing versatility while maintaining a single fixed AESA hardware platform
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective, continuous ground clutter suppression and simultaneous performance of multiple radar functions, reducing time expenditure during the pulse epoch and enhancing radar system efficiency without the need for sophisticated hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a single active electronically scanned array (AESA) configured for a segmented aperture enabling a first aperture beam having a first aperture beam characteristic, a first azimuth, and a first elevation
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a multi-beam multi-function active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operation receives radar commands from individual aircraft systems and segments a single AESA fixed panel into a plurality of subarrays to carry out each individual function commanded by the individual aircraft system. Dependent on aircraft status and phase of flight, the subarrays are sized based on desired radar function at the specific phase of flight and specific threat associated with the phase. The system dynamically shifts the subarray size, beam characteristics, power settings, and function to enable multiple function of a cost effective single AESA panel.