Abstract: The invention is a programmable frequency controller for a frequency agile adar system. The system comprises a microprocessor which includes clock generator, a front panel radar parameter input unit, a program memory, data memory, a front panel radar an input buffer port, a microprocessor data bus, an output buffer port, a front panel display unit, a radar data collection system, a radar synthesizer output buffer unit, a radar frequency synthesizer, and a frequency agile radar system with antenna. The control system operates, monitors, and collects operational data during operation of the frequency agile radar system. Input control parameters are preset at the front panel radar parameter input unit. Program memory contains preprogrammed computer control instructions for the microprocessor in performing control and management of operational data during radar operation. The data memory unit provides capability of storing and transferring data during operation of the system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for utilizing frequency agile magnetron radars to porm one, two and three dimensional target imaging using coherent frequency agile radar waveforms. The pulses from a frequency agile magnetron are controlled so that their frequencies are approximately those of a highly coherent stepped frequency source. Means are provided for monitoring the magnetron's tuning piston position read-out voltage and for triggering the pulse forming network associated with the magnetron at the occurrence of each one of a set of predetermined read-out voltage levels. A feedback loop is utilized to determine the difference between the frequencies of the actual output pulses of the magnetron and a set of precise, stepped reference frequencies. Correction values are generated and are utilized to generate a new set of magnetron read-out voltage levels at which the pulse forming network is to be triggered. The phase of the echo pulse is measured for each frequency step of each burst from the magnetron.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed by which radar targets can be imaged in two dimions for identification at full radar range using relatively moderate speed data processing. Images of targets are found in range and cross-range dimensions from the time history of the targets' wideband spectral response obtained by a frequency stepping radar. A frequency synthesizer generates a series of N identical signal bursts, each burst comprising n pulses and each of said n pulses being a different frequency. The radar echos from this series of bursts is separated into n-phase and quadrature phase components. These components are processed to calculate and store the relative amplitude of each echo signal and to determine the phase of each echo signal relative to the phase of the corresponding transmitted pulse. Further, the echo signals are inverse Fourier Transformed to generate an n.times.N Fourier Transform array representing a synthetic target range profile.

Abstract: Means for enabling a high range resolution radar to maintain precise range nformation of a high velocity maneuvering aircraft or other target during radar operation. A voltage indicative of target motion is provided as an input to a voltage controlled oscillator that develops a waveform having a frequency that varies from the frequency of a stable reference oscillator by an amount commensurate with that voltage input. The frequency differential of the two oscillators is utilized to cause the tracking window to move in proportion to the range rate of the target.

Abstract: A battlefield identification friend or foe (BIFF) system comprising a radar nit including a switch for selectively connecting an interrogation encoder to the modulator of a radar unit and a response decoder also located at the radar site. At a remote station is a transponder which includes an interrogation decoder which, when properly interrogated, activates the transponder/transmitter which then transmits a coded response message.