DVB-T based Passive Bistatic Radar for maritime surveillance

In this paper we present a suitable receiving and processing chain for a DVB-T based Passive Bistatic Radar (PBR) system for maritime surveillance. The proposed PBR scheme is tailored for the maritime surveillance with specific attention to the detection of targets of limited size. The work is focused on the experimental results achieved in strong collaboration between Selex ES and the University of Rome 'La Sapienza'. Specifically, results are shown, that have been achieved in several test campaigns held in Civitavecchia and Livorno, with both cooperative and opportunistic targets equipped with the Automatic Identification System - AIS.