RADAR LOCATION FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF REPRESENTATIVE THREAT-VOLUMES

Abstract

A radar is constrained to scan within a volume of space modeled as a cone with the apex at the radar. The threat-volume is modeled as the frustum of a right-circular cone inverted on a flat earth with a vertical axis and with the height equal to the maximum acquisition altitude. Threatening objects can enter anywhere within this volume above some specified minimum re-entry angle that determines the apex angle of the frustum. The problem solved is that of finding the minimum surface range of the radar that permits the entire frustum volume to be included within the given scanning cone. The important special case of a point impact zone (base radius of frustum approaches 0) is also discussed. Results are presented showing how this minimum distance is affected by changing (1) the minimum re-entry angle, (2) the scan angle, (3) the maximum radar acquisition altitude, and (4) the impact-zone radius. Effects of earth curvature are also discussed. These results are useful as one aspect of optimizing radar location in terminal defense studies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 15, 1966
Accession Number
AD0644826

Entities

People

  • David Caldwell
  • Samuel D. Ewing Jr.

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Altitude
  • Curvature
  • Geometric Forms
  • Geometry
  • Lines (Geometry)
  • Scanning
  • Shape
  • Terminal Defense
  • Terminals

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Operations Research
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Space Objects
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers