Netted radar modelling, design and optimisation

Networks of phased array radars are able to provide better counter stealth target detection and classification. Each radar sensor/node generates information which requires transmission to a central control authority who is able to evaluate the information. This requires a communications network to be established to allow transmission of information to and from any node. Each radar node is limited by range and degree and relies on the formation of a multi-hop network to facilitate this transmission. This thesis investigates a method whereby the radar beam itself is used in the formation of a multi-hop network. The phased array's multifunctional nature allows rapid switching between communications and radar function. A complete model of how the communication system could operate is included in this thesis. In order to simulate radar function and network communication, a custom built simulation platform was used. Two different approaches to the formation of the radar networks are derived, one involving a global design method using the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA) and another using a local method specifically tailored to radar network formation, Distributed Algorithm for Radar Topology Control (DARTC). Both of these techniques can be used in the formation of radar networks. The thesis goes further to suggest modifications to the model itself that could result in improved radar network communication performance