Detection Probability Estimation of 96 GHz Millimeter-Wave Airport Foreign Object Debris Detection Radar Using Measured Radar Cross Section Characteristics

Detection probabilities of a 96 GHz millimeter-wave airport foreign object debris (FOD) detection radar system are estimated based on both airport measurement results and radar cross section (RCS) measurement results. Firstly, the reflection power and signal-to-noise ratio of a 1-inch height and 1-inch diameter metallic cylinder on an airport runway are measured using an experimental FOD detection system. Secondly, RCS values of typical runway FOD are measured in an anechoic chamber. Then, the measured RCS values of the typical FOD are compared with detection threshold values obtained with the metallic cylinder. Finally, detection probabilities of typical FOD samples are obtained at 250 m, 300 m and 500 m.