Multi-hop processing for OTHR range extension

The development of sophisticated anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities by our adversaries requires us to develop long range capabilities to mitigate this A2/AD threat. Extending the range of Over The Horizon Radars beyond their conventional single hop operating mode will potentially provide coverage out to 10000 km and beyond. We propose combining existing state-of-the art HF radar ray propagation, ionosphere, and surface terrain models with proven detector response matrix and data inversion techniques to accurately detect and calculate RCS for moving targets against the stationary background. The detector response matrix solution will characterize the effects of confusers and range ambiguity on radar performance using high fidelity physically rigorous simulations. The detector response matrix solution has been applied successfully in gamma-ray astrophysics for decades. What is new and unique here is combining the detector response matrix technique from astrophysics with state of the art radar environment modeling simulations to develop the HF-OTHR multi-hop capability. This approach provides detection, tracking, and discrimination capability for HF-OTHR systems out to ranges that will provide sensor coverage to support mitigation strategies for the A2/AD threat.