Range Instrumentation Radar Roadmap Tim Boolos Ira Ekhaus Mike Kurecki BAE Systems Instrumentation Products and Sustainment
Introduction Ground Based Test Instrumentation is the foundation of Test and Evaluation on Ranges throughout the World Monopulse Tracking Radar Long history of providing precision metric data for airborne test objects as well as providing primary range safety support More complex tracking scenarios in today s missions Requires new technology is moving forward to fill the gaps
Starting Point Test ranges began in the 1940s Among the first instrumentation test radars was the repurposed SCR-854 (Set, Complete Radio or Signal Corps Radio) Gun directing radar using first practical cavity magnetron Automated tracking mode employing Bell Labs M9 automated computer S-band, 4 degree beamwidth, 1 mil (0.06 deg) AZ/EL accuracy 250 kw, Conical Scan for tracking, helical scan for search http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/historic/nws/wea01233.htm
Monopulse Trackers Test ranges moved from repurposed tactical sensors to special to purpose Test Instrumentation Radars Among the first of these was the FPS-16 developed by NRL and RCA beginning in the late 40 s About 10 times more accurate than the previous repurposed Tactical Radars Addition of beacon track mode Extended maximum tracking range Increased accuracy High power magnetron for echo track Lower power, tunable magnetron for beacon track Public Domain, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12067886
Improvements to Range Instrumentation 1970 s Range Instrumentation Radars Improved with computational improvements Digital trajectory acquisition Higher frequency radar for improved range discrimination 1980 s radar improvements included data recording for post processing no drop bomb scoring 1990 s improvements included Digital Moving Target Indication (DMTI) Digital backplanes augmented data capacity Computer-controlled optics were integrated All solid-state 1 Megawatt modulator Early 2000 s advances Networked operation Multi-source correlation of TSPI data Remote control of full suites of Range Instruments Instrumentation capability has expanded Wide Band Imaging Radars Low-Cost Velocity Domain Trackers Automated Optical Tracking Systems
Test Range Missions Were Evolving More complex tracking scenarios: Higher velocity weapons Longer range weapons and targets Stealth Multiple target of interest Frequency encroachment Safety tracking/operational/personnel Instrumentation considerations: Mobile or relocatable systems Remote control Move to latest technologies Increased data storage/net-centric/data fusion/hd video Challenges Fixed and aging assets Obsolescence & sustainment Cyber security Budget 6
Complex Multi-Tier Mission Critical: Deep range coverage Multiple-object track capability Track surface objects with clutter Non-cooperative or cooperative tracking Non-interference with weapons systems Discriminate targets Early acquisition Range safety update rate Product safety Cyber security Desirable: Track exo-atmospheric vehicles Remote operability Mobility Fully coherent radar Waveform agility for added range discrimination 7
Evolving Range Missions 1998 the Range Commander s Council in the US surveyed the future testing needs and range capabilities The original envisioned an Ultimate Instrumentation Radar In 2013 The RCC Roadmap was revised to acknowledge that no single Radar would fulfill all range needs a family of radars types and capabilities was envisaged The primary unfilled need was a modern affordable multiple object tracking radar with high TSPI accuracy
Constraints on Multiple Object Tracking Radars Principles of phased array antennas Known since 1909 when Karl Ferdinand Braun included in his Nobel Lecture Tactical systems now incorporate massive phased arrays Capable of tracking many targets with a fire control quality track Limitations make the tactical transition to range use problematic Size, weight, and power Ranges continue developing capabilities data products based on their customers testing needs Increasing accuracies Flexible configurations Rapid deployment
imotr: Interferometric Multiple Object Tracking Radar Range of Technology Tools is being applied to the Radar Range Challenge 1. Extended Baseline Interferometry with advanced waveform and ambiguity suppression 2. Technology Borrowed from MTI (Moving Target Indicator) and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) 3. Advanced Kinematic Trackers and Visualization Tools 4. Target, radar and performance models Next-Gen range experiment design software
Comparative Technology Options Using the Technologies in the RCC Radar Roadmap System technology performance evaluated against the following criteria: All weather Interoperable frequency deconfliction Velocity based acquisition and tracking TSPI level accuracy Independent multiple targets Clutter rejection sea surface Full Range at Large Open Air Range Full Range at Smaller Munitions Range Early acquisition RCC 262-14 beacon tracking Discriminate targets in velocity, range and angle Remotely operable 18
Technology Options Compared To Requirements EO CTR/EO CW Doppler Current Monopulse Pulse Doppler Digital Beamforming Array imotr All Weather Interoperable Velocity Based Acquisition and Tracking TSPI Level Accuracy Independent Multiple Targets Clutter Rejection Sea Surface Full Range At Large Open Air Ranges Full Range At Smaller Munitions Ranges Early Acquisition RCC 262-14 Beacon Tracking Discriminate Targets in Velocity, Range AND Angles Overall Rating Unacceptable Marginal Good Excellent Superior 19
Test Missions Mapped to Supporting Technologies EO CTR/EO CW Doppler Current Monopulse Pulse Doppler Digital Beamforming Array imotr Air to Surface Weapons Firing Artillery and Missile UAS Development T&E Large Scale Air-to-Air Large Scale Air-to-Surface Large Scale Surface-to-Air Large Scale Surface-to-Surface Large Scale Complex Multi-Tier Overall Rating Unacceptable Marginal Good Excellent Superior 20
Summary Multi-Object Tracker using Interferometric Processing of AESA Major step up in capability for ranges Allowing versatile addressing of range needs Upgraded monopulse tracking radars Cost-effective way to maintain basic capability and range safety Electro-optical systems and velocity domain trackers Augment the data products Provide acquisition aide imotr offers the mix of measurement capability and versatility imotr Next Step on the Range Instrumentation Roadmap