Modeling of RF Seeker Dynamics and Noise Characteristics for Estimator Design in Homing Guidance Applications

Abstract

RF seekers provide the relative kinematics between the target and the pursuer in terms of LOS rates which are used for homing guidance computation. The measurement noise of the seeker is non-stationary and correlated due to eclipsing, Glint, RCS fluctuation, Radome distortion, angular noise, Gyro drift, etc. Further, the track loop dynamics originated from the receiver, signal processing and the stabilization loop result in certain delay between the kinematic LOS rate and the measurements. These necessitate appropriate modeling of the LOS rate measurement dynamics and the noise characteristics to incorporate in the seeker estimator, rather than considering the measurements as kinematics with additive white and stationary noise. The modeling of measurement dynamics and non-stationary and correlated noise of the RF seeker noise are discussed in this paper. The results of simulation in a realistic engagement scenario show that implementation of suitable measurement dynamics and noise model improves estimation of LOS rates as compared to absence of such models.