How radar finds, ranges, and tracks an aircraft — the threat physics that the rest of the course works to defeat. We build from the kill chain and the ES/EP/EA framework, through propagation and the radar range equation, to pulsed waveforms, range/Doppler ambiguity, and moving-target processing; then antenna patterns and beamforming, the radar taxonomy of a layered IADS, and the detection theory that pulls the B-21 out of the noise.
## What you'll learn 1. Place a survivability technique on the **kill chain** (Detect → Track → Identify → Engage → Kill) and classify it as **ES**, **EP**, or **EA**. 2. Predict signal loss with **free-space path loss** and the **6 dB rules** for range and frequency. 3. Apply the **radar range equation** and explain why detection range scales as the fourth root of every term. 4. Relate **pulse width, PRF, and PRI** to range resolution and to range/Doppler **ambiguity**. 5. Compute the **Doppler shift**, explain **MTI** clutter rejection and **blind speeds**, and read a **range-Doppler map**. 6. Read an **antenna pattern** (HPBW, SLL) and explain how an **ESA/AESA** steers a beam — and why side lobes are the EW back door. 7. Identify the **radar classes** in a layered **IADS** by band, PRF, and beam, and map each to its kill-chain link. 8. Relate **SNR**, $P_d$, and $P_{fa}$ through a **ROC** curve, and quantify **integration** gain. ## In this blockThe kill chain, the ES/EP/EA taxonomy, and the fourth-power detection law. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 2Radar bands, free-space path loss, and the 6 dB rules. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 3Received power, $R_\text{max}$, and the fourth-root scaling of every term. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 4Pulse train, PRF/PRI, range resolution, and the range–Doppler ambiguity invariant. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 5Doppler shift, MTI clutter rejection, blind speeds, and the range-Doppler map. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 6Pattern anatomy, HPBW and SLL, beam steering, and ESA/AESA. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 7The layered radar classes, their bands and PRF regimes, and the kill-chain mapping. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 8Noise floor, SNR, the ROC curve, integration gain, and $S_\text{min}$ as a contract. Reading · Flashcards · Demo · Pre-flight.
Lesson 9In-class group work: detection range vs aspect and band, with the starter skeleton and RCS table.
Lesson 10Results briefings, HW1 due at the start of class, and Quiz 1 in class.
ProjectGroup analysis of threat-radar detection range against the B-21. Handout, RCS table, and starter posted.
HomeworkIndividual walkthrough of one complete detection-range calculation. Ten numeric questions, due at L10.