After the detection of targets in the search mode there follows a target location with range and direction estimation which is as precise as possible. This procedure may in principle be performed with the same receiving data as already used for detection. Multifunction radar systems with phased arrays may apply an additional acquisition mode after target detection to confirm the first target detection and thereby cancel to a large extent false alarms produced by noise and interference. This radar task may be performed with increased transmit energy compared to that used for the search mode because there are only relatively fewer acquisition orders. Because of the higher signal-to-noise (SNR) for the acquisition mode the location accuracy will be improved. The waveform will be chosen for improved range resolution, as discussed in Chapter 7. After target acquisition the location function will also be applied to the target-tracking process.

Chapter Contents:

• 11.1 Likelihood direction estimation
• 11.2 Experimental monopulse correction for failing elements
• 11.3 Variance of monopulse estimate
• 11.4 Monopulse correction against jamming
• 11.4.1 Correction with likelihood estimation
• 11.4.2 Correction in expectation
• 11.4.3 Statistical performance analysis of estimation
• 11.5 Polarisation independence
• 11.6 Indication of multiple targets
• 11.7 Conclusions
• References