High frequency surface wave radar antenna array calibration using automatic identification system data

A high frequency surface wave radar antenna array calibration method using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is presented. The new method uses ship target echoes with high SNR and their AIS data to find the phase and gain errors of the antenna array. The new method can achieve better array calibration precision comparing to existing blind array calibration methods, requires no dedicate beacons, and can do the calibration at any time. Real measured high frequency surface wave radar data and corresponding AIS data are used to test the new method, and the result proves the advantage of the new method.