Radar Centroid Processing Algorithm with Tracker Feedback

In surveillance platforms such as the E-2C and upcoming E-2D, it is essential that the Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar provide a complete track picture of the surveillance region. To maintain continuous tracks throughout the surveillance region, the radar sensor must be able to produce measurements on all targets. Problems occur when there are closely spaced objects (CSOs). Here, the radar signal processor can combine the returns from the targets to produce a single merged measurement. The objective in the proposed research is to develop a new surveillance radar centroid processing algorithm that has an extended merged measurement capability. The algorithm will "parse" the raw range-bearing cell measurements such that object measurements for each target can be generated. The use of tracker feedback enables the processing algorithm to specify the expected number of objects within the combined cluster of measurement primitives. The work will leverage Numerica's prior experience in radar centroid processing and pixel-cluster decomposition research.