Extended GLRT Detection of Moving Targets for Multichannel SAR Based on Generalized Steering Vector

A generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) with the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) property was recently developed for adaptive detection of moving targets in focusing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. However, in the multichannel SAR-ground moving-target indication (SAR-GMTI) system, image defocus is inevitable, which will remarkably degrade the performance of the GLRT detector, especially for the lower radar cross-section (RCS) and slower radial velocity moving targets. To address this issue, based on the generalized steering vector (GSV), an extended GLRT detector is proposed and its performance is evaluated by the optimum likelihood ratio test (LRT) in the Neyman-Pearson (NP) criterion. The joint data vector formulated by the current cell and its adjacent cells is used to obtain the GSV, and then the extended GLRT is derived, which coherently integrates signal and accomplishes moving-target detection and parameter estimation. Theoretical analysis and simulated SAR data demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed detector in the defocusing SAR images.