Abstract: The paper focuses on detection and parameter estimation of chirp signals in a noisy environment. Several approaches to such problem including the so called RWT method, RAT method, and FRFT scan method are compared and analyzed. On the basis of analyzing these methods, an new method based on RAT and FRFT is presented. For the amplitude estimation of chirp signal, an expression which is suitable for computation is given. Computer simulations have verified the effectiveness of the method. Compared with RWT and FRFT scan methods, this method reduces the chirp detection to mere one dimensional search. Meanwhile, compared with pure RAT method, it can estimate efficiently the initial frequency and amplitude of chirp signals. Hence, this method suits for use on applications requiring multiple parameters joint estimation of chirp signals.