AESA Radar Tracking Beam Allocation for Multiple Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical radar systems have limited multiple target tracking accuracy and capability, especially when targets leave the search area, due to reliance on a single search beam without a separate tracking beam.
Innovation Solution
The method employs an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar using a search-while-track (SWT) method, where separate tracking beams are allocated to multiple targets based on priority and tracking information, enabling higher tracking accuracy and capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical radar uses a track-while-scan (TWS) method with only a search beam, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tracking accuracy deteriorates and targets are lost when leaving the search area
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system segments the beam function into separate search beam and tracking beam components. The search beam covers a wide area to detect targets, while dedicated tracking beams are allocated to specific targets for continuous accurate tracking, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high tracking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The AESA radar implements multi-functionality by enabling the same radar system to perform both search and track operations simultaneously through electronic beam steering. Multiple beams can be directed to different locations independently, allowing the system to maintain both area coverage and precise target tracking without requiring separate physical antennas
2Measurement precision
If an AESA radar allocates separate tracking beams to multiple targets, then the tracking accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam allocation based on real-time target priorities, engagement status, and mission requirements. The beam scheduling is flexible and adaptive, allowing the radar to optimize tracking resources for multiple targets simultaneously while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The AESA radar changes beam parameters such as direction, focus, and duration dynamically based on target characteristics and mission needs. By adjusting these parameters electronically rather than mechanically, the system achieves high tracking accuracy for multiple targets while maintaining manageable system complexity
3Productivity
If only designated targets are tracked with high priority, then the productivity is improved for engagement, but the measurement precision deteriorates for non-designated targets
Solution Approach 1:
The radar applies different quality levels of tracking to different targets based on their engagement priority. High-priority designated targets receive dedicated tracking beams with high accuracy, while other targets receive appropriate tracking resources based on their importance, optimizing both engagement efficiency and overall situational awareness
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of tracking multiple targets using an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. More particularly, provided is a method of tracking multiple targets using an AESA radar in an air-to-air mode based on the priorities and tracking information of the multiple targets.