Passive Range Estimation from Angle-only Sensor Data (Acq Pointing & Tracking)

We propose to adapt angle-only passive ranging methods developed for submarine warfare to the problem of range estimation for missiles using current electro-optical sensor systems in order to provide fire control quality tracking at or near threat burnout to support early intercept. Three methods will be developed: parallax or triangulation ranging; angle rate ranging; and tracker/filter algorithms. Parallax ranging is an instantaneous method that uses angle measurements from two physically separated sensors. The instantaneous rate at which the angle to the target changes over time can be related mathematically to the range to the target. These methods can also be used to estimate maximum range. Tracker and filter algorithms use target and sensor platform motion models and sensor measurement error models to calculate a stochastic estimate of the target state. Real and synthetic data sets will be used to evaluate passive ranging and tracking system performance.