SRC Awarded Patent for Filtering Radar Clutter

Syracuse, NY – The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued SRC, Inc. a patent for “Method and Apparatus for Adaptively Filtering Radar Clutter,” a process to help air surveillance radars filter out reflections caused by nearby spinning wind turbines.

“The issuance of this patent is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our team at SRC,” said Kevin Hair, president and CEO of SRC. “We are proud to be at the forefront of radar innovation, providing solutions that address the evolving challenges faced by our customers."

The patented process monitors the reflections seen by the radar and looks for the key characteristics of wind turbine blades, namely that they show movement, but appear at nearly the same spot over and over. Based on the data observed, the process algorithms determine whether wind turbine clutter is present and then derive the turbine locations, sizes and speeds. Once the wind turbine reflections are characterized, separating aircraft from the wind turbines becomes much easier.

The inventor for this patent is Dave Weldum, senior principal systems engineer. His role includes authoring proposals, technical consultation and lead systems engineering for ground radar programs. In addition to this patent, Weldum received another for storing calibration data within image files.

 

About SRC

SRC, Inc. (@SRCDefense), a not-for-profit research and development company, combines information, science, technology and ingenuity to solve “impossible” problems in the areas of defense, environment and intelligence. Across a family of companies, SRC applies bright minds, fresh thinking and relentless determination to deliver innovative products and services that are redefining possible^® for the challenges faced by America and its allies.

Since 1957, SRC’s commitment to the customer and the best solution — not the bottom line — has remained a core value that guides its efforts. This passion for quality carries through to the technologies the company invents and manufactures, the laboratories and facilities it builds, the people they hire, and communities where they work. Today, nearly 1,400 engineers, scientists and professionals work together at SRC to protect people, the environment and our way of life.