Simulation of air-to-ground ranging mode of airborne monopulse radar over complex terrain

Air-to-ground ranging (AGR) is one of the important operation modes of an airborne monopulse radar system. Here, an approach for the detailed modelling and simulation of the AGR performance of such a radar system over complex terrain is proposed. Time-domain monopulse signals reflected by the terrain's surface were modelled using the dynamics of the airborne platform, clutter properties, and RF specifications of the radar, which included the operating frequency, antenna beam patterns, and pulse repetition time. The AGR performance was then numerically analysed by employing the modelled monopulse return signals and a digital elevation model of the terrain's surface. Several crucial factors affecting the accuracy of line-of-sight estimation, including shadowing effects and roll stabilisation, were addressed using numerical simulations of various scenarios.