Evaluation of Two AN/APS-94 Side-Looking Airborne Radar Systems in the Detection of Search and Rescue Targets.
Abstract
Since September 1978, side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) detection data have been gathered in conjunction with four visual detection experiments conducted by the U.S.C.G. R&D Center. These are part of a series of experiments designed to improve search planning guidance contained in the National Search and Rescue Manual. HC-130 aircraft, equipped with either the Airborne Oil Surveillance System (AOSS) or SLAR/radar image processor (SLAR/RIP) configuration of the AN/APS-94C or D SLAR, conducted controlled searches for life rafts, small boats, and 41- to 95-foot Coast Guard vessels in Block Island Sound or open ocean. Through the use of a microwave tracking system and SLAR data, the positions of searchers and targets were accurately reconstructed to facilitate the verification of detections on SLAR films or video tape. These data were used to evaluate the effects of environmental and controllable parameters on SLAR detection of the various target types. Of the 12 parameters investigated, target size/composition, search altitude, swell height, wind speed, and humidity/precipitation were found to have a significant influence on SLAR detection performance. Upper-bound lateral range curves and sweep widths for SLAR search are included. Real-time performance tests for AN/APS-94D SLAR and system performance tests for new SLARs (AN/APS-131) are recommended. More environmental conditions (severe), target types, and gain/altitude combinations should be tested. Improved image processing capability and operator training are needed. Real-time, operational lateral range curves for SLAR should be developed as inputs to the computer-assisted search planning (CASP) system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA108404
Entities
People
- G. L. Hover
- N. C. Edwards Jr.
- S. R. Osmer
- T. J. Mazour