Energy ratios, types of probing signals and intra-period signal processing in airborne radars designed to build maps of the Arctic ground surface
Authors:   SUAI, Ryzhikov M.B. , Novikova Yu.A. ,   SUAI, Kirshina I.A. ,   SUAI, Svanidze V.G. ,   SUAI
Published: December 2024

The Arctic region attracts more and more attention from year to year. Technical, political and target conditions for the active use of the Arctic have been formed. Modern geological exploration tools have identified the locations and characteristics of rich mineral deposits. Large scale measures have been carried out to develop Arctic shipping, which allows for large intercity and international transport flows. There is an active formation of the Arctic infrastructure: scientific research bases, large industrial enterprises, objects of extraction of fossil materials, as well as civilian settlements. Network communication systems and the Internet have become widespread. All of the above indicates one thing: the Arctic is not so far away now, it can and should be developed. At the same time, one of the key tasks is the implementation of ensuring safe navigation in the ice, in fact, the analysis of the current ice situation or the escort of the vessel along the way with information support in conditions of insufficient visibility. In addition, for mapping the Arctic surface in real time over relatively long distances, regardless of the weather conditions, it is better to use airborne radars placed on small aircraft carriers or an unmanned flying platform. They have a longer range in relation to optical-electronic systems of the infrared or visible ranges in difficult weather conditions, such as snow, which is typical for polar latitudes. This work is devoted to the study of such issues as the determination of energy ratios and the choice of a complex signal and its parameters for probing the Arctic surface, as well as primary (intraperiodic) processing of the reflected signal in airborne radar stations in order to extract useful information and build a map of the Arctic surface. Research methods. The mathematical apparatus of the theory of radar, the theory of radio engineering circuits and signals, the theory of building transceiver systems, the theory of synthesis of digital filters, and the theory of digital signal processing were actively used in the work. Simulation models of the radar system have been created. Purpose. To carry out the conclusion of the main energy ratios of the radar for Arctic purposes. To propose options for the selection of probing radar signals, to determine their properties and mathematical models, to propose a methodology for calculating signal parameters. To form an analog-to-digital sequence of processing the radar signal reflected from the Arctic surface within a single range window and conduct computer simulation of processing. The result of the work is a mathematical apparatus for calculating the energy parameters of an on-board radar station for Arctic applications. In addition, variants of probing signals are proposed, and a method for calculating their parameters is given based on the requirements for the formation of a radar map (size, resolution, discreteness, etc.). The result of the work is also the proposed scheme for processing the reflected signal within a single sensing period, mathematical models of the components of the circuit, and the results of modeling signal processing. Practical significance. The results of the work can be used in the development of a radar product for use on board an unmanned aerial vehicle for monitoring and reconnaissance of the surface and air situation in the Arctic zone in order to navigate ships and ensure the safety of navigation in general, assess the situation in areas of settlements and industrial enterprises, control the biosphere and climate change.