SIGNAL COLLECTION

SIGNAL COLLECTION

Please respond to the least 2 thoughts below. Responses should be a minimum of 150 words and include 2 direct questions and 1 citation per thought totaling 2 citations.

1ST THOUGHT – Looking at the forum posts that have already been written, I thought I would research the topic of RADINT or Radar Intelligence, as it has not been covered yet. I must add that prior to researching RADINT, a previous class with Professor Cook and some simple hands on learning at work, is the true limit of my experience with various INT’s that can be grouped together within the spectrum of signal intelligence.
RADINT also known as Radar Intelligence from non-imaging radar, is a sub-category or sub-field of MASINT.[i] As both ELINT and RADINT cover radar systems, my first question was what is the difference between ELINT and RADINT? According to Faqs.org, the difference between ELINT and RADINT is, “…RADINT does not involve the interception or radar signals; instead, intelligence regarding flight path and other specifics is derived from the deflection of enemy radar signals.”[ii] RADINT collection platforms would target specifically, “satellites, missiles, ships, aircraft, and battlefield vehicles.”[iii]
In a previous class with Professor Cook, we read a book written by Robert M. Clark called, “The Technical Collection of Intelligence,” which provides some excellent examples and definitions of the various INT’s and their associated intelligence collection platforms. One of the collection platforms associated with RADINT is the object identification radar (OIR). Clarks notes the following about OIR,
“An object identification radar can do many things, depending on its design. It can image the target, determine its radar cross-section, identify and discriminate among targets, precisely measure components, determine the motion of the target or its components, and measure the target’s radar reflectance and absorption characteristics. Radar returns can be used, for example, to reconstruct the trajectories of missiles and convey the details and configuration of the missile reentry vehicle itself.”[iv]
OIR can track objects or target movement, radar cross section variations, and produce imagery.[v] RADINT OIR’s utilized for imagery are superior to optical imagery in that they can penetrate weather and buildings in order to obtain an image in bright sun during the day or zero illumination at night. However, the ability to see through walls and weather is not without its limitations. Although the resolution of an OIR has the ability to be increased, it will never be as detailed as optical imagery. “… unlike infrared data that helps us identify different minerals or vegetation types from reflected sunlight, Radar sensors only show the difference in the surface roughness and geometry of a surface.”[vi]
Also important to mention as a limitation is the cost associated with utilizing OIR for imagery. “Due to their complexity, Radar imagery often requires extra processing and filtering for adequate results to be obtained, meaning that sometimes the cost can be more expensive than comparative optical sensors such as regional satellite imagery.”[vii]
[i] Clark, Robert M. “Chapter 9: Missile and Space Intelligence.” The Technical Collection of Intelligence. 1st Edition. New York: Congressional Quarterly Press, 2010. Pg. 197. Accessed May 12, 2015.
[ii] Night, Judson. “SIGINT (Signals Intelligence.” Faqs.org. Para. 5. Accessed May 12, 2015. http://www.faqs.org/espionage/Se-Sp/SIGINT-Signals-Intelligence.html
[iii] Clark, Robert M. “Chapter 9: Missile and Space Intelligence.” The Technical Collection of Intelligence. Pg. 197.
[iv] Ibid. Pg. 197.
[v] Ibid. Pg. 198-199.
[vi] “Benefits and limitations of Using Radar Imagery.” Remote Sensing. Scantherma.com. Para. 2. Accessed May 12, 2015.http://www.scantherma.com.au/services/remote-sensing/services/mining-exploration/radar-imagery/benefits-and-limitations/
[vii] Ibid. Para. 3.

2nd THOUGHT – In its most basic form, electronic intelligence (ELINT) is the collection and exploitation of non-communication radiations from foreign electronic devices. Examples of possible sources include missiles, radar, aircraft and navigational aids. ELINT’s origins can be traced to WWII, when the British determined that the Germans were using radar to aid in aerial bombing. This led to the British to collect, analyze and eventually jam the frequency (Kroger 1993). Today, ELINT is still commonly used to collect information on radar systems. By analyzing radiation (modulation, frequency, duration, etc.) a picture of the system’s capabilities can be generalized and countermeasures developed. This same information is also stored, allowing for the future identification and location of equipment (Kroger 1993).
As a technical means of collection, ELINT equipment is complex and therefore expensive. The cost is increased when platforms such as aircraft and satellites are utilized. Furthermore, depending on the frequency being collected, proximity to the target can be an issue. According to Kroger, “the higher up the frequency spectrum you go the shorter your intercept range becomes” (1993).
When being used operationally to locate order of battle, ELINT is susceptible to false emitters whether they be unintentional, such as similar sources of radiation, or deliberate deception on the part of the target. Accurate identification of equipment may require additional sources of intelligence, such as imagery, for corroboration. Lastly, ELINT is a passive form of collection. As such, the emitter must be operating to be identified. Adversaries can simply leave equipment off or exploit collection gaps to mitigate ELINT collection.
Kroger, Charles A. Jr. 1993. “ELINT: A Scientific Intelligence System”. Central Intelligence Agency. Accessed May 11, 2015. https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/kent-csi/vol2no1/html/v02i1a06p_0001.htm.

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