Fast mesh forming for distributed digital array radar

Distributed digital array radar (DDAR) can operate in multiple modes and perform multiple functions. Compared with traditional phased array radars, the performance advantages of DDAR are obvious in many aspects. One of them is that DDAR can form space mesh in a wide scope. This article proposes a new fast mesh forming method. Unlike traditional multiple beam forming, the authors’ algorithm can form a mesh along range and azimuth. First, the range profile is obtained based on fast Fourier transform. Second, the mesh forming is divided into several steps that are accomplished in polar formatted plane. Finally, the polar formatted result is transformed into Cartesian coordinates. The authors tested the method using RADBASE data, which shows that the authors’ algorithm has good performance.