Collinear Antenna Array Radar for Multi-Target Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems for tracking aerial targets have limitations such as inability to simultaneously track multiple targets with high precision, large size, weight, and cost, and are detectable by intelligence systems like ELINT or SIGINT.
Innovation Solution
A radar system utilizing an array of two collinear antennas with narrow beams in elevation, employing interferometry for precise elevation angle determination and aperture synthesis for increased azimuth resolution, combined with a recursive Kalman filter for real-time data prediction and adjustment, allowing simultaneous multi-target tracking with reduced size and detectability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a radar equipped with three or four fixed antennas with electronic beam control is used to simultaneously track multiple targets, then the ability to track multiple targets is improved, but the cost, volume and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system divides the tracking task into two distinct phases: acquisition phase using the RV (Surveillance Radar) for initial target detection in wide aerial space, and tracking phase using the RT (Tracking Radar) for precise multi-target tracking in a smaller volume. This segmentation allows each radar to be optimized for its specific function, enabling multi-target tracking without requiring multiple large fixed antennas for all functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical antenna pointing in the state of the art to electronic beam control in the elevation dimension. The RT radar uses electronic beam control to rapidly adjust the beam direction in both azimuth and elevation, enabling it to track multiple targets simultaneously without requiring multiple physical antennas. This dimensional change in control method reduces the physical footprint and weight of the radar system.
2Measurement precision
If the antenna beam width is made narrow for precise target localization, then the measurement precision is improved, but the radar becomes detectable by ELINT or SIGINT systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar operations into two distinct modes: the RV operates with wide beams for surveillance and target acquisition, while the RT operates with narrow beams for precise tracking. By separating these functions into different radar systems operating at different times and with different beam characteristics, the system achieves precise multi-target tracking while minimizing the detectability of narrow beams that could be intercepted by ELINT or SIGINT systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system uses periodic switching between acquisition and tracking phases. The RV periodically scans wide aerial space to detect targets, then the RT periodically takes over for precise tracking. This periodic action allows the system to maintain precise tracking capability while limiting the exposure time of narrow beams to potential intelligence interception.
3Measurement precision
If a radar with servomechanism for mechanical antenna pointing is used, then the target tracking precision is improved, but the system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical servomechanism for antenna pointing with electronic beam control. The RT radar uses electronic phase shifters and signal processing to control the beam direction in both azimuth and elevation, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical pointing mechanisms. This substitution maintains high tracking precision while significantly reducing system complexity, weight, and maintenance requirements.
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
Enables simultaneous high-precision tracking of multiple aerial targets with reduced size, weight, and cost, while making the radar system undetectable to intelligence systems, providing accurate and timely data for weapon systems.
Implementation Method 1
an array of two collinear antennas with narrow beam in elevation, in which the precise elevation angle of the target is determined through interferometry
Implementation Method 2
a radar equipped with an antenna without electronic beam control and with servomechanism to point the antenna in the azimuth and elevation angles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
High precision radar to track aerial targets installed on the ground, in a container or in a vehicle, to determine the target parameters, such as azimuth angle (θa), elevation angle (θe), range, speed and flying direction and transmits them to a weapon system which comprises an array of two collinear antennas (19, 21) with narrow beam in elevation, installed on a platform (12) and rotating around a vertical axis at a rotational speed of, at least, 50 rpm, in which the direction of the said array varies between 0° and 90° by means of a positioning motor in elevation (18), and the precise target elevation angle (θe) is determined by interferometry. The precise target azimuth angle (9a) is determined through correlation between a signal detected by the said antennas (19, 21) with a +1/-1 step function, complemented by the search for the zero transition provided by the determination of the return pulse maximum. The target speed and direction values are determined by a prediction filter (50) based on the history of range, elevation and azimuth values obtained in previous measurements.