Improving the accuracy of tracking radar angular measurements by digital signal processing techniques.

This study investigates the real life feasibility of applying modern estimation theory to target angular measurement information provided by a short to medium range, lightweight, tactical, tracking radar. Techniques are considered in terms of their computational demand and their effectiveness in filtering practically obtained measurement data. With the aid of a mathematical model, the angular measurement operation of the radar is shown to be unlikely to provide the desired measurement information for these operating conditions. This deficiency is due to multisource noise and encompasses such well known phenomena as glint. Analysis of measurement data obtained from T.V. and radar trials conducted using the Marconi ST802 radar to track a light aircraft, demonstrates these phenomena. Standard Kalman solutions proposed in the literature are applied to these measurements and shown to be ineffective against multisource noise. Consequently modifications are proposed and shown to be considerably more effective. The Success of these modifications led to their application to a low elevation angle tracking example, where multisource noise can severely degrade the performance of the radar. As a result, further tests with low angle data are recommended.