An Ultra Wideband (UWB) short-range radar system is used for the detection of targets in clutter. Examples of targets on the ground include human walkers, crawlers and runners, and vehicles. The UWB sensor can also be used to detect small approaching boats in different levels of sea clutter or airborne targets like hang gliders. One of the primary differences between this device and other UWB radar sensors is the manner in which the bias on the threshold detector is set as well as the logic circuitry used to find targets in clutter while maintaining a low false alarm rate. The processing is designed to detect targets in varying degrees of clutter automatically. There may be no front panel controls other than an ON-OFF switch. The system is lightweight, low-cost, and can be easily installed in minutes.