Detection Rate Optimization for Swerling Targets in Gaussian Noise

In this paper, we consider a pulse radar and study the tradeoff between integration time and scan rate for diverse target scattering models. At the design stage, we optimize the available degrees of freedom (namely, pulse train length and detection threshold) so as to maximize the detection rate, defined as the average number of detections from the target per unit of time, subject to a constraint on the false alarm rate, which is the average number of false alarms from the monitored area per unit of time. This objective function allows to carefully balance the contrasting needs for a large probability of detection (achievable through a large dwell time) and a short scan time. Closed-form solutions are provided for Swerling’s Cases 1 and 3 target fluctuation and for the Marcum nonfluctuating model, while, for the Swerling’s Cases 2 and 4, the solution is found with the aid of computer simulation. A thorough performance analysis is given to show the achievable tradeoffs among the principal system parameters under the different target models.