Prompt Detection of Aircraft Maneuvers by Use of Range Rate Radar Data.
Abstract
In addition to the usual range and bearing information concerning aircraft targets, the next generation of long range radars can have the capability of measuring directly a component of velocity. An investigation was conducted to determine first, the accuracy with which target velocity can be measured and secondly, how these velocity data can be exploited so as to better predict aircraft position. A B727 was flown in a special pattern, which included many maneuvers, at a distance of about 100 nmi from a prototype of the velocity measuring radar. The standard deviation of the measurement of the component of velocity was found to be less than 1.3 knots. The velocity data from the test flight were subjected to processing by a tracker which calculates changes in aircraft heading from changes in velocity component. The results are promising. In all maneuver were immediately detected and the velocity vectors constructed by the tracker followed closely the vectors flown by the aircraft. The benefical consequences of incorporating a tracker using velocity data are pointed out. An example is given comparing the automatic of a potential conflict using the conventional tracker and then the tracker which processes velocity data. In the example the use of such data is vital to a safe resolution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA105063
Entities
People
- James A. Shannon
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration