Abstract: A radar system uses a rotating antenna array having rows that display dispersive properties while feeding multiple radiating elements. In some embodiments, the radiating elements are dual polarized. In at least one embodiment, beam spoiling may be used to generate an unfocused transmit beam that covers an entire elevation range of interest. Digital beam forming may be used during a receive mode to achieve a stack of narrow-width receive beams in elevation. Frequency scanning may also be used to achieve stacked beams in azimuth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a phase array radar system having a fragmented array. In one embodiment, subarrays forming a generally rectangular shape are disposed on the surface of a truncated cone or a dome so that gaps are formed between adjacent segments of subarrays or between every adjacent subarrays.

Abstract: A radar system uses a rotating antenna array having rows that display dispersive properties while feeding multiple radiating elements. In some embodiments, the radiating elements are dual polarized. In at least one embodiment, beam spoiling may be used to generate an unfocused transmit beam that covers an entire elevation range of interest. Digital beam forming may be used during a receive mode to achieve a stack of narrow-width receive beams in elevation. Frequency scanning may also be used to achieve stacked beams in azimuth.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging information between aircraft (210). Sensors on a first aircraft (210) provide data about the first aircraft's environment, including hazards such as turbulence, icing, lightning, or birds. The system transmits the data to receiving systems in other aircraft (210), which display the data, to warn the pilots flying the other aircraft of potential hazards. The pilot of the first aircraft may supplement the information with visual observations, about birds or unmanned aerial vehicles, for example. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted from aircraft to aircraft over a data link using ADS-B. In another embodiment, a first aircraft may transmit data to a second aircraft, which may relay, or re-transmit, the data to a third aircraft.

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging information between aircraft (210). Sensors on a first aircraft (210) provide data about the first aircraft's environment, including hazards such as turbulence, icing, lightning, or birds. The system transmits the data to receiving systems in other aircraft (210), which display the data, to warn the pilots flying the other aircraft of potential hazards. The pilot of the first aircraft may supplement the information with visual observations, about birds or unmanned aerial vehicles, for example. In one embodiment, the information is transmitted from aircraft to aircraft over a data link using ADS-B. In another embodiment, a first aircraft may transmit data to a second aircraft, which may relay, or re-transmit, the data to a third aircraft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a phase array radar system having a fragmented array. In one embodiment, subarrays forming a generally rectangular shape are disposed on the surface of a truncated cone or a dome so that gaps are formed between adjacent segments of subarrays or between every adjacent subarrays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a first radar; identifying a blind spot in coverage of the first radar; providing a second radar to illuminate the blind spot, and merging data from the first and second radars using target classification prior to tracking to reduce false targets. In one embodiment, polarimetric data is used to classify targets.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving first track information comprising data for a particular aircraft track. The method further includes receiving a first radar plot comprising first location information corresponding to first aircraft identification information and first location information corresponding to second aircraft identification information. The method further includes associating the first aircraft identification information with the particular aircraft track. The method further includes accessing historical association information comprising a first association history variable corresponding to one or more previous associations between the first aircraft identification information and the particular aircraft track and a second association history variable corresponding to one or more previous associations between the second aircraft identification information and the particular aircraft track.

Abstract: A motion compensation method and system is included in a radar antenna system mounted on a moving platform which is subject to pitch, yaw and roll. The radar antenna system includes a main array antenna, and an auxiliary antenna. The auxiliary channel associated with the auxiliary antenna utilizes roll, pitch and yaw angle motion compensations as its auxiliary antenna always steers a horizontal fan shape beam at the horizon to blank any surface (land or sea) based EM interferences. Such motion compensations are provided by a ship motion compensator component and process included within the antenna system. The ship motion compensator component in response to platform motion signals indicative of changes in platform motion angles generates new sets of values using an initial set of weighting coefficient values as a function of such angle motion changes.

Abstract: A motion compensation method and system is included in a radar antenna system mounted on a moving platform which is subject to pitch, yaw and roll. The radar antenna system includes a main array antenna, and an auxiliary antenna. The auxiliary channel associated with the auxiliary antenna utilizes roll, pitch and yaw angle motion compensations as its auxiliary antenna always steers a horizontal fan shape beam at the horizon to blank any surface (land or sea) based EM interferences. Such motion compensations are provided by a ship motion compensator component and process included within the antenna system. The ship motion compensator component in response to platform motion signals indicative of changes in platform motion angles generates new sets of values using an initial set of weighting coefficient values as a function of such angle motion changes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing data from a low beam channel, a high beam channel and a weather channel to perform an altitude estimation based upon a target amplitude ratio between the low beam channel and the high beam channel and target range, and for performing target detection based upon data from the weather channel. In one embodiment, migrating birds can be more accurately detected and classified than with conventional systems.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving first track information comprising data for a particular aircraft track. The method further includes receiving a first radar plot comprising first location information corresponding to first aircraft identification information and first location information corresponding to second aircraft identification information. The method further includes associating the first aircraft identification information with the particular aircraft track. The method further includes accessing historical association information comprising a first association history variable corresponding to one or more previous associations between the first aircraft identification information and the particular aircraft track and a second association history variable corresponding to one or more previous associations between the second aircraft identification information and the particular aircraft track.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a first radar; identifying a blind spot in coverage of the first radar; providing a second radar to illuminate the blind spot, and merging data from the first and second radars using target classification prior to tracking to reduce false targets. In one embodiment, polarimetric data is used to classify targets.

Abstract: According to a particular embodiment, a method for evaluating different antenna designs includes receiving different sets of antenna patterns representative of the different antenna designs from a corresponding number of data sources. The different sets of antenna patterns are applied to a characterizer component for generating a sidelobe banking (SLB) characteristic map for each set of antenna patterns received. A SLB effectiveness chart is generated from the SLB characteristic map. A best antenna weighting set is selected based on which auxiliary antenna pattern exhibits the best performance. The best of antenna weighting factors are used for designating the antenna design having superior SLB performance characteristics.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention includes a SLB characterizer component for achieving optimum sidelobe blanking through the combining of multiple dimension data into a single figure of merit comparison. The SLB characterizer component is positioned between a radar data processor and beam steering generator of a radar system. The radar data processor provides several sets of antenna patterns which are used by the characterizer component to compute gain margins according to the teachings of the present invention. From the computed gain margins, the component generates SLB characteristic maps which provide a much less complex method for evaluating antenna design independent of other system parameters. Based on such SLB characteristic maps, the characterizer component generates SLB effectiveness charts which it uses to compare SLB performance and determine which auxiliary antenna pattern has the best performance.