Design and implementation of a tracking algorithm for active missile approach warning systems

An active MAWS uses a pulsed Doppler radar to detect approaching missiles with enough warning time to allow effective deployment of countermeasures. This paper describes the design and implementation of an optimal missile tracking algorithm for an active MAWS. This algorithm is based on an extended Kalman filter formulation. Unique features of the algorithm include the exploitation of a priori knowledge of missile dynamics in the tracking filter design, and the ability to track without requiring target azimuth measurements. This latter feature is important since the wide-beam antennas typically used in an active MAWS do not allow target azimuth to be accurately measured. Some simulation results are presented to indicate the suitability of this tracking algorithm for an active MAWS.