Target detection

A method for processing returns from a sensor, such as a radar system, in order to identify targets is provided. The method uses a track before detect routine to integrate (add) data from several scans in order to give better discrimination. In running the track before detect routine however a number of possible target motions are postulated and the data are added with relative shifts corresponding to each such postulated motion. A result above a threshold may then be indicative of a target present and moving with the postulated velocity. The method gives more accurate target detection as the combined data at the correct target motion postulate is more consistent than transient noise and clutter. Once a target has been identified it can be removed from the data set and the search continued for additional targets.