An Introduction to Electronic Warfare

This set of flashcards contains vocabulary terms and definitions related to electronic warfare derived from the lecture notes, focused on key concepts, techniques, and technologies.

Electronic Warfare

Military action involving the use of electromagnetic spectrum to interfere with enemy radar and communications.

Jamming

The deliberate transmission of radio signals to interfere with an enemy's radar and missile guidance systems.

Radar

A system that uses radio waves to detect and locate objects, such as aircraft.

Signal Processing

The analysis and manipulation of signals to enhance or extract information.

Machine Learning

A subset of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to analyze data and make predictions.

Pulse Width (PW)

The duration of the radar pulse; a critical parameter in determining radar resolution.

Spectrogram

A visual representation of the spectrum of frequencies in a signal as they vary with time.

Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) Radar

Radar designed to minimize the chances of detection by hostile interception systems.

Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)

A type of deep learning algorithm commonly used for image classification and recognition.

Intercept Receiver

A device used to capture signals transmitted by radar or communication systems.

Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM)

Techniques used to protect radar and communication systems from jamming.

Stealth Technology

Design principles aimed at making aircraft less detectable by radar.

Chaff

A radar countermeasure consisting of strips of metal or other materials designed to confuse radar systems.

Flare

A pyrotechnic signal designed to produce intense heat and confuse infrared missile guidance systems.

Decoy

A false target deployed to mislead enemy radars or infrared systems.

Active Radar Homing (ARH)

A type of missile guidance that uses radar signals emitted from the missile itself to track a target.

Signal Classification

The process of identifying and categorizing signals detected by intercept receivers.

Doppler Effect

The change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Electronic Support Measures (ESM)

The detection and identification of signals for intelligence or operational purposes.

Pattern Recognition

The process of identifying patterns and regularities in data.

Enhancement Filters

Filters used in signal processing to amplify certain features of the received signals.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

A measure of signal strength relative to background noise, crucial for communication reliability.

Acoustic Signal

Sound waves that are capable of being transmitted and detected.

Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM)

A device that records radar signals for replay as jamming or for analysis.

Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar

A form of radar that uses continuous wave signals that vary in frequency to measure distance and velocity.

Electronic Attack (EA)

A military function responsible for disrupting enemy operations using electromagnetic energy.

Signal Amplitude

The strength or intensity of a signal.

Angle of Arrival

The direction from which a received signal comes relative to the receiver.

Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF)

The number of pulses transmitted in one second by a radar system.

Pulse Compression

A technique to reduce pulse duration and increase radar resolution.

Moving Target Indicator (MTI) Radar

A radar system designed to detect moving targets and suppress stationary objects.

Pulse Doppler Radar

A radar system that uses the Doppler effect to measure the speed of a target.

Wideband Signal

A signal that occupies a wide range of frequencies.

Communications Signal

Signals used for transmitting information over communications networks.

Tactical Air Launched Decoy (TALD)

A type of decoy deployed to mislead enemy defenses.

Reinforcement Learning

A type of machine learning where an agent learns to make decisions by receiving rewards or penalties.

Jamming-to-Signal Ratio (J/S)

The ratio of jamming power to the power of the radar signal.

Sidelobe Cancellation

A technique to reduce interference from signals received through an antenna's sidelobes.

Spoofing

A jamming technique designed to send false information to a radar system.

Infrared Seeking Missile

A missile that tracks the heat emitted by its target.

Missile Guidance Systems

Technologies used to steer a missile toward its target.

High Power Microwave Source

A device that generates high levels of microwave energy, used in radars and jammers.

Beamforming

A signal processing technique that directs signals in specific directions.

Tracking Radar

Radar designed to follow specified targets after they have been detected.

Kinematic Flare

A flare that can maneuver or move to enhance the deception of incoming missiles.

Wild Weasel Concept

A military tactic involving the use of aircraft to lure and destroy enemy radar.

Radar Absorbent Material (RAM)

Materials used to absorb radar waves and reduce radar cross section.

IR Countermeasures

Techniques used to protect aircraft from infrared guided missiles.

Energy Management

Techniques to efficiently manage the generation and use of energy in electronic systems.

Acoustic Countermeasures

Methods designed to obscure signals used in acoustic detection.

Surface to Air Missile (SAM)

A missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aerial targets.

Jamming Signals

Signals emitted to confuse or disrupt radar or other electronic systems.

Velocity Gate Pull-off

A deceptive jamming technique that misleads radar about a target’s speed.

Threat Radar

Radar systems used by adversaries to detect and track military targets.

Simulation Training

Training involving virtual representations of real-world scenarios.

Angle Deception Jamming

Techniques aimed at misdirecting a radar's measurement of an object's angle.

Frequency Agile Radar

Radar that frequently changes its operating frequency to avoid detection.

Signal Recognition

The process of identifying and understanding the source and nature of signals.

Ground-based Radar

Radar systems situated on the ground to monitor airspace.

Aircraft Vulnerability

The susceptibility of an aircraft to threats such as radar detection and missiles.

Data Processing

The manipulation and processing of data to extract useful information.

Military Intelligence

Information gathered and analyzed for military purposes.

Cold Launch

A method of launching a missile where the missile is ejected before igniting its engine.

Passive Electronic Warfare

Operations that do not emit signals but rely on receiving enemy signals.

Signal Distortion

Changes made to a signal that can affect its interpretation and effectiveness.

Airborne Intercept Receiver

Aircraft-mounted systems designed to detect and analyze radar signals.

Signal Analysis

The study and interpretation of signal data to draw meaningful insights.

Adaptive Jamming

A technique that adjusts the jamming signal based on the radar's responses.

Stealth Aircraft Design

The engineering principles that allow aircraft to evade radar detection.

Simulated Training Scenarios

Artificially created situations for practice and learning purposes.

Capture and Replication

The techniques used in jamming to mirror the characteristics of radar signals.

Waveform Diversity

The use of different signal patterns to improve the effectiveness of communications or radar.

Threat Assessment

The analysis of potential enemy capabilities and intentions.

Surveillance Systems

Technologies and tools used to monitor environments and behaviors.

Reconnaissance Missions

Operations designed to gather information about an enemy's forces.

Interference Cancellation

Techniques aimed at filtering out noise or unwanted signals in communications.

Countermeasure Development

The process of creating strategies to combat and neutralize threats.

Signal Integration

The combining of multiple signal outputs to enhance reliability and accuracy.

Decoy Management

The strategies used in deploying decoys to mislead enemy systems.