Study on Clutter Model and Characteristics of Airborne Radar with Parabolic Conformal Phased Array

The studies on clutter modeling and suppression of airborne radar with a parabolic conformal array are uncommon due to the complexity of this type of antenna array configuration. The correct understanding of clutter characteristics for airborne radar with a parabolic conformal antenna array is the prerequisite and foundation of optimal suppression of this type of clutter. This paper establishes the model of clutter echo of airborne parabolic conformal phased array radar and analyzes the structure characteristics and the distribution features of this type of clutter. The simulation results show that this type of clutter has the following characteristics: 1) The main lobe on the azimuth is seriously broadened, 2) the power spectrum presents strong heterogeneity, and 3) the freedom degrees are high. Based on the existing related clutter suppression methods, we verified the correctness of the constructed clutter model. This work has an important guidance to further study on clutter suppression methods in airborne parabolic conformal array radar.