Classification of radar clutter using neural networks

A classifier that incorporates both preprocessing and postprocessing procedures as well as a multilayer feedforward network (based on the back-propagation algorithm) in its design to distinguish between several major classes of radar returns including weather, birds, and aircraft is described. The classifier achieves an average classification accuracy of 89% on generalization for data collected during a single scan of the radar antenna. The procedures of feature selection for neural network training, the classifier design considerations, the learning algorithm development, the implementation, and the experimental results of the neural clutter classifier, which is simulated on a Warp systolic computer, are discussed. A comparative evaluation of the multilayer neural network with a traditional Bayes classifier is presented.