MTI detection performance in Rayleigh and log-normal clutter

The detection performance of nonrecursive MTI filters is analyzed on the basis of probability of detection. In Rayleigh clutter, improvement factor optimization is found to result in probability of detection optimization. Performance degradation in log-normal clutter is then analyzed on the basis of spatial and temporal clutter models. Curves are presented that allow the probability of detection to be determined for MTI filters designed using either Emerson's criterion or those employing binomial coefficients. Receiver noise determines the maximum probability of detection that can be attained in a particular design.