A modification is presented to improve radar systems, which normally tracks a single target, to enable them to perform a simultaneous search of a large space volume while maintaining track of a selected target. This modification entails an operating process in which a search is conducted with a controlled search pattern and search time so that the antenna is as close as possible to the tracked target position at the search conclusion and antenna slewing time is mimimized. Finally, the present procedure can be implemented while adding as little as a thousand words of memory to the radar system.
A surveillance method comprises the steps of: sending information requests to one or more of a plurality of unmanned airborne platforms, each carrying one or more sensors for gathering information; coordinating processing of the requests among the plurality of airborne platforms; and transmitting responses to the requests to one or more requesters. A surveillance system that can be used to perform the method is also provided.
An apparatus and method for tracking maneuvering and non-maneuvering targ in the presence of stochastic acceleration are provided. The apparatus and method utilize a two-stage Kalman estimator, the first stage of which is a bias-free filter providing target position and velocity estimates, and the second stage of which is a bias filter providing estimates of target acceleration. These two filters act together to provide parallel processing calculations thereby achieving high speed target state determination. During target maneuvers, the output of the second stage is used to correct the output of the first stage. In the absence of maneuver, the second stage is turned off and the first stage provides the target position and velocity estimates.
