Bistatic RF Targeting Control for Long-Range Jam-Resistant Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monostatic radar systems have limitations such as reduced detection range and susceptibility to interference from cluttering and jamming, which affect their effectiveness in tracking and intercepting objects like missiles and airborne threats.
Innovation Solution
A bistatic radio wave localization system uses two separate antennas for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) waves, allowing for detection and tracking of objects beyond the range of monostatic systems, with a ground-based high-power transmitter and a lower-cost receiver on a flying object, and is less susceptible to interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If monostatic radar systems are used for detection and tracking, then the system structure is simple, but the detection range is reduced and susceptibility to interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system is segmented into separate transmitting and receiving functions located at different spatial positions. The transmitter and receiver are physically separated, with the transmitter positioned at a remote location and the receiver on the interceptor platform, enabling bistatic operation that extends detection range and reduces interference susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication link serves as an intermediary between the remote transmitter and the receiver on the interceptor. This communication channel transmits beam formation information and target data between the separated components, coordinating their operation without requiring direct physical connection.
2Reliability
If separate transmitting and receiving antennas are used in bistatic system, then detection range and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver on the interceptor platform performs multiple functions: it receives communication data from the remote transmitter, processes beam formation information, detects scattered RF energy from targets, and controls the interceptor's navigation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interceptor platform itself serves as the receiving station, using its own onboard electronics and processing capabilities to detect targets and control its own navigation, eliminating the need for a separate ground-based receiving station.
3Measurement precision
If high-power transmitter is located on flying object, then tracking accuracy is improved, but weight and power requirements of the flying object increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high-power transmitting function is extracted from the flying interceptor platform and relocated to a separate ground-based or remote platform. This extraction removes the weight and power burden of the high-power transmitter from the interceptor, allowing it to remain lightweight and maneuverable while still achieving accurate tracking through the bistatic configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bistatic system provides more accurate and reliable tracking information, enabling efficient and cost-effective tracking and interception of targets with improved detection ranges and resistance to clutter and jamming.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver to detect scattered portions of the RF beam reflected from the target object
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method, system, and computer system for tracking a target object. The method includes (i) receiving an indication to intercept a target object from a tracking station; (ii) determining navigation to the target object based at least in part on the indication, (iii) determining whether a scatter energy is greater than or equal to a scatter threshold, and (iv) in response to the scatter energy being greater than or equal to the scatter threshold, determine the navigation to the target object based at least in part on 1) the scatter energy or 2) the scatter energy and the indication from the tracking station.