Modeling and parameter optimization of agile beam radar tracking

Abstract

In the work presented here, we address parameter optimization for agile beam radar tracking to minimize the radar resources that are required to maintain a target under track. The parameters to be optimized include the track-revisit interval as well as the sequence of pairs of target signal strengths and detection thresholds associated with successive illumination attempts in each track-revisit. The effects of false alarms and clutter interference are taken into account in the modeling of target detection and in the characterization of tracking performance. Based on the detection model and tracker characterization, the parameter optimization problem is formulated. Typical examples of the optimization problem are numerically solved. The optimal solution gives an off-line scheduling of the parameter set. It also provides insight into the selection of a near-optimal parameter set that is appropriate for real-time implementation.