MILLIMETER WAVE RADIOMETRIC DETECTION OF TARGETS OBSCURED BY FOLIAGE

The problem of passive detection by millimeter wave radiometry of metallic targets obscured by foliage and other vegetation is defined and discussed. A model of the foliage obscuration situation is presented and evaluated on the basis of data collected in a field measurement program. Results obtained show the millimeter wave radiometric obscuration to be greater than the optical obscuration. Curve fitting techniques indicate a quadratic relationship between radiometric and optical obscuration hence, the maximum range of a radiometric system will be reduced linearly with optical obscuration instead of theoretically with a square root relationship. Further refinements of the model are discussed and are to be included in a general foliage penetration model to be evaluated at a later date.