Research and Development of Instrumentation Program Evaluation of Breadboard Projectile Airburst and Impact Locating System (PAILS)
Abstract
The Projectile Airburst and Impact Locating System (PAILS) is a concept utilizing a trilateration radar network to locate the positions of airburst or ground impacts of artillery or mortar projectiles at proving-ground installations. This report describes tests conducted on a single breadboard radar (one of three required for a complete system) at US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground from 6 January 1975 to 8 May 1978. A description of the radar and its specifications is provided. Measurement of static and dynamic performance is described. It is concluded that: sufficient data is not available to assess the capability of the PAILS concept; the cause of the inability of the breadboard PAILS to lock-up on the terminal portion of the trajectory is unknown; additional tests of the breadboard PAILS will require 5,000 to 7,500 man-hours over a 1 year period; the risk is high that additional tests would not provide the required data; the payoff for TECOM test ranges is minimal; further testing is neither prudent nor justifiable. It is recommended that an alternative scoring approach be utilized.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA059197
Entities
People
- C. L. Francis