US Patent 7315276 Beam compression radar

A concept is described for broadening the beam of a phased array radar antenna to provide continuous illumination of all radar targets within the search space, and this beam is compressed upon reception to realize the angular resolution that is possible with the antenna. The process is analogous to pulse compression. The advantages of the long dwell times provided by this concept include superior clutter suppression performance, more accurate tracking of targets, and the ability to analyze the target returns for reliable discrimination, classification and identification. The broad beam also reduces the power seen by an intercept receiver, for increased covert operation. This is all accomplished without any sacrifice in power. Various embodiments are disclosed.