Direction and Location of Artillery Rockets by Acoustic Techniques
Abstract
This report discusses possible approaches to the detection and location of artillery rockets by acoustic techniques. The acoustic signal is composed of rocket motor initiator noise, rocket motor burning noise, and ballistic wave noise. An acoustic model is applied to some test results. Distant detection of launched artillery rockets was found to be possible under conditions of low ambient noise. The location accuracy depends on the distance between the source and the detector, as well as on meteorological conditions. In locating the launch point, one must be able to distinguish between the rocket motor initiation noise from the launch point and the ballistic wave noise produced by the rocket in flight. Methods to improve the accuracy of location are suggested. Projections made for a foreign artillery rocket (140-mm, 3,500-lb thrust motor) show that detection in calm weather is possible to a range of 10 km from the launch point. Beyond 4 km, improved techniques are needed for locating the launch point with an error less than 200 m. Seismic and other related signals generated near launch should be investigated for use as a complementary tool to improve location accuracy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA234946
Entities
People
- Andrew A. Thompson
- Christopher K. Scherer
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory