Low-Angle Target Tracking.
Abstract
This report describes an experiment that was performed to evaluate a new low-angle tracking (LAT) radar technique which uses array antenna technology. The process enables the radar to track targets in elevation in the low-angle region between one beamwidth and the horizon. The technique uses the array facility to form two beams, and a two-channel receiver system which forms the ratio of the signals from each beam. By design this ratio is proportional to target elevation angle. The antenna patterns are designed to suppress the multipath signal energy, but residual image signal energy entering the receiver is processed with the target signal without degradation of system performance. This technique was implemented and tested on an over-water range using an aircraft as the test target to gather data and evaluate system performance under varying reflective surface conditions. The system operated at 5.5 GHz and used a 12-foot array aperture. Tracking data was collected between elevation angles of 5 to 20 millirads with one-tenth beamwidth accuracy. A description of the flight test is given and a summary of the experimental data is presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0916421
Entities
People
- R. Vandeusen
- W. Steckenreiter
Organizations
- Eaton Corporation