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In this paper the elevation coverage of common passive radar illuminators of opportunity is evaluated. In constructing radar performance metrics, it is imperative to include the radiation characteristics of the source, both in azimuth and elevation. Many passive radar performance studies have only considered one plane, the azimuth, neglecting to incorporate the elevation plane in models. The non-inclusion of elevation patterns has primarily been due to lack of precise details of their specification and nature. The authors have consulted the broadcast antenna manufacturing industry and present here transmitter elevation patterns for the three prevalent passive radar illuminators of opportunity, FM radio, DAB, and DVB-T. The patterns presented are typical of broadcast patterns in use throughout the world. The patterns have already been used by a number of national research institutes for more accurate passive radar system modelling. It is shown that airborne targets frequently reside outside of the elevation mainlobe, which has direct consequences for target detection performance.

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Abstract-NeXtRAD is a fully polarimetric, X/L Band radar network. It is a development of the older NetRAD system and builds on the experience gained with extensive deployments of NetRAD for sea clutter and target measurements. In this paper we will report on the first measurements with NeXtRAD, looking primarily at sea clutter and some targets, as well as early attempts at calibration using corner reflectors, and an assessment of the polarimetric response of the system. We also highlight innovations allowing for efficient data manipulation post measurement campaigns, as well as the plans for the coming years with this system.

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