IMPROVING PERFORMANCE OF SINGLE OBJECT TRACKING RADAR WITH INTEGRATED GPS/INS

Abstract

A novel approach combines GPS receiver technology with micro-electromechanical inertial sensors to improve performance of single object tracking radar. The approach enhances range safety by integrating an airborne Global Positioning System/Inertial Movement Unit (GPS/IMU) with a C-band transponder to downlink time-space-position information (TSPI) via FPS-16 instrumentation radar. This improves current telemetry links and the Range Application Joint Program Office (RAJPO) data link for downlinking TSPI because of the inherent long-range advantage of the radar. The goal of the project is to provide distance independent accuracy, and to demonstrate continuous 15-meter or better position accuracy over the entire flight envelope out to slant ranges up to 1,000 Km with at least 50 updates per second. This improves safety coverage for the wide area flight testing. It provides risk reduction for the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC), Edwards Air Force Base, California and other ranges planning TSPI system upgrades.