Bearings-Only Target Motion Analysis Using a Dual-Waveband Infrared System

Abstract

Infrared systems are widely used for target detection, designation and tracking. For example, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, as a typical airborne or shipboard detecting device, is widely equipped for the remote target detection and tracking. In recent years, the problem of target motion analysis (TMA) and tracking has been studied increasingly extensively. In an airborne infrared system, the problem becomes more difficult due to absence of range information. In this paper, the infrared model and motion model of typical aerial targets are described. An airborne dual-waveband IRST system, which is quite familiar nowadays, is choosed for implementation of target motion analysis. Based on the above, a novel and more practical algorithm of target tracking via bearings-only measurements is formed and the major parameters are defined according to a typical airborne dual-waveband IRST system. Finally, data simulation is implemented, and the results demonstrate the new algorithm has a better performance than before for bearings-only target tracking.