APPLICATION OF DETECTED SIGNATURES FROM THE WARSHIPS’ NAVIGATION RADARS TO IMPROVE MARINE SITUATION AWARENESS

Abstract

The article addresses the new technological possibilities in solving the problem of recognizing radar signals emitted by the warships’ navigational radar stations (Radar) for their identification with accuracy to an individual ship. Identification is carried out by analyzing the individual characteristics of signals that are inherent to a specific radar due to the technological imperfection of the equipment manufacturing. The set of these features forms the so-called radar signature, which is similar to the biometric features of a person, like a fingerprint. The importance of detecting signatures of radar signals in the system of the military signal intelligence (SIGINT) is demonstrated. It was established that reliable identification can be carried out by implementing two levels of signal processing: basic (with a limited set of features) and specific with a large number of individual features formed in the time and frequency domains of radar signals. At the same time, the identification process is based on the use of a specialized database of signatures. The requirements have been considered for SIGINT hardware and software, taking into account the need for detailed signal analysis on the emitter specific identification level, as well as processing of large data sets and achievements of modern microelectronics using radio frequency technology "system on a crystal". The structure of the signal parameters records into the database of radar stations emitters for their accumulation, storage and using in SIGINT equipment is proposed. It has been proven that the use of the obtained results of identification of the ship’s radars is important for obtaining a perfect current maritime situational awareness. At the same time, the intelligence is carried out covertly by detecting and processing radar signals of the enemy warships. It is emphasized the importance of SIGINT as a source of additional relevant information for the formation of a recognized maritime awareness.