A statistical sea-surface clutter model in the long-wave infrared

Simple statistical models for clutter are desirable for parametric modelling of sensors and the development of constant false alarm rate detection processing. In the case of radar sensors and sea clutter there are a few widely known and accepted 'standard' models that can be employed. For passive infra-red sensors there are fewer models and no such widely accepted model applicable to sea clutter. In this paper a statistical model for the behaviour of sea clutter in the long-wave infra-red is presented. The model is based upon many of the same assumptions that lead, in the case of radar, to the well-known and widely used K-distribution model. It is compared with real long-wave infra-red sea clutter data gathered in trials from a variety of locations.