Multi-static and Passive Radar

Tailoring radar systems to the unique requirements of different applications

As it uses multiple, physically separate, transmit and receive systems, multi-static radar is useful when the coverage area needs to be maximised – or areas of individual coverage can be overlapped to improve resilience and redundancy.

The flexibility to deploy transmitter and receiver elements independently allows for customised coverage and adaptability to changing operational requirements. In addition, the receivers can be low size, weight, power (SWaP) and cost – so many of them can be deployed.

In contrast, a passive radar system does not incorporate a dedicated transmitter – the system relies on detecting and processing signals from other sources, such as digital radio and television broadcasts.

The absence of a dedicated transmitter reduces the cost of a passive radar system – and removes the need for a transmission licence. As passive radar systems do not emit electromagnetic signals, they are also harder to detect and therefore less susceptible to electronic countermeasures.

Real-world challenges

Working with L3Harris Technologies & Cranfield University

Plextek have undertaken several research and development activities in partnership with Cranfield University and L3Harris culminating in a proof-of-concept multistatic radar system capable of using multiple different types of signals of opportunity.

Working with Cranfield University,  Plextek have investigated data fusion algorithms for a multi-static radar network with moving dual-channel receivers – and apply them to various scenarios of interest.

Two levels of data fusion were investigated – centralised and distributed. They were applied to various scenarios and the Plextek team investigated the trade-off in performance – firstly for the two fusion schemes and, secondly, for the network concept and a traditional monostatic radar.

The effects of position navigation and timing error on the system were also investigated for each mode, and measurements were taken for a single moving dual-channel receiver.

Proof-of-concept multistatic radar system

Plextek developed a proof-of-concept multistatic radar system capable of using multiple different types of signals of opportunity.

Key aspects:
– Illuminator agnostic, the incorporation of passive receiver principles allows for multiple types of illuminators to be used.
– Flexible architecture allowing the design to be easily adapted to different hardware configurations.
– Ensuring the receiver signal processing is tolerant to PNT errors.

Furthermore, the receiver nodes employ track-before-detect techniques (correlating detections over time) to reduce the system false alarm rates and improve detection performance for low SNR targets.

Using the proof-of-concept system, Plextek have successfully demonstrated the ability to detect and track small UAVs using terrestrial broadcast towers.

Key skills

  • RF system design

    Design of the receiver nodes, with both hardware and signal processing algorithms used to generate detections.

  • Low SWaP and cost radar design

    Ensuring that the receiver nodes are low SWaP and low cost allows more receivers to be deployed either to maximise coverage or provide redundancy.

  • Data fusion

    Our bespoke data fusion engine combines detections from multiple receiver nodes across a network to enable 3D tracking of targets.

  • IoT framework

    Design of the data link used to transmit detection from the receiver nodes to the data fusion engine.

Plextek is pioneering radar networks that blend multi-static and passive radar technologies, aiming to simplify complexity and boost flexibility. Our unique partnerships with academia and industry have allowed us to accelerate the development and deployment of a proof-of-concept system. With expertise in every critical aspect, from RF design to data fusion techniques, we are uniquely positioned to lead this innovation.

Dr Benjamin Griffin, Consultant Data Science
Dr Benjamin Griffin

Consultant, Data Science

What sets us apart when it comes to multi-static and passive radar?

Plextek is actively involved in research and development of the emerging technology of multistatic and passive radar systems – bringing together its world-class experts in relevant fields, including:

  • Multistatic radar
  • Passive radar
  • Distributed RF sensing
  • Radar networks
  • Signal of opportunity
  • Green radar
  • Wide-area sensing
  • Covert surveillance
  • Data fusion
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