Examination of micro-doppler signatures of drone and seagulls with X-Band noise radar

Abstract

In this study, data obtained from near-range radar responses collected by an X-band noise radar targeting small aerial objects such as drones and seagulls have been analyzed for the purpose of target discrimination. The research aims to identify distinctive features in terms of range, speed, and micro-Doppler signatures of small air targets using a noise radar operating at the same frequency as maritime ship radars. This approach has not only facilitated the detection of small air targets with low Radar Cross Section (RCS) but also contributed additional information for classifying these targets. Considering that the noise radar used during the measurements possesses characteristics typical of a marine radar, this work has effectively demonstrated the extraction of micro-Doppler signatures of drones and seagulls performing various maneuvers in a maritime environment.