Distributed Radar Trilateration for Multi-Object Flight Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array radars are inappropriate for test range instruments due to high cost, complexity, difficulty in transportation and setup, limited object tracking capability, and interference issues, which hinder accurate and efficient tracking of multiple objects in real-time.
Innovation Solution
Distribute low-tech radars along the flight corridor for trilateration, using range measurements and high-resolution waveforms to localize objects in three dimensions, enabling small antennas, reduced power requirements, and automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phased array radar is used to track multiple objects, then tracking capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the test range into multiple sectors, each monitored by a simple monostatic radar. Instead of one complex phased array radar tracking all objects, multiple simple radars segment the surveillance task, reducing individual radar complexity while maintaining overall multiple object tracking capability through coordinated operation and data fusion.
2Measurement precision
If high power and large antenna are used for high sensitivity and measurement accuracy, then tracking precision is improved, but transportation and setup become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function into range measurements from multiple distributed radars. Each radar uses moderate power and smaller antennas, but the combination of range measurements from three or more radars achieves high 3D positioning accuracy without requiring any single radar to have massive power and antenna size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces range measurement as an intermediary parameter. Instead of directly measuring angle with high precision using large antennas, the system uses range measurements from multiple radars as intermediaries to compute 3D position through trilateration, achieving high accuracy with smaller, more portable radar units.
3Use of energy by moving object
If burst pulses are used in each beam position, then energy consumption is reduced, but data gaps occur that preclude post-mission processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous illumination of the test range by having multiple radars operate simultaneously with overlapping coverage. This continuous action ensures no data gaps occur during missile flight, enabling complete post-mission processing while maintaining reasonable energy consumption through efficient waveform design and solid-state amplifiers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If available energy is shared by all objects in track, then multi-object tracking is enabled, but performance on each individual object is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy resource by assigning different radars to illuminate different spatial sectors. Each radar dedicates its energy to objects in its sector, avoiding energy sharing dilution. The coordinated operation of multiple radars with segmented energy allocation maintains high measurement precision for each individual object while enabling multi-object tracking across the entire test range.
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
Achieves high trilateration accuracy, improved object tracking capacity, reduced maintenance needs, and lower operational costs, while minimizing interference and atmospheric effects, with the ability to process data post-mission for enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
several low-tech radars are distributed along the flight corridor, whereby all objects are seen by at least three radars
Implementation Method 2
Range measurements are based on timing, which is extremely stable and easy to calibrate
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration wherein multiple radars arc positioned along the flight corridor of a test object or objects. At any given time, three radars are used to accurately measure the location of each object via trilateration.