Adaptive update time target tracking using recursive input estimation

An adaptive variable update rate tracking algorithm based on the recursive input estimation method is proposed for tracking manoeuvring targets using a phased array radar. The sampling interval is automatically adjusted to the dynamics of the target, exploiting the fact that the uncertainty in the predicted error covariance matrix increases when a manoeuvre is detected. Computer simulations have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. In particular, the RMS errors are reduced at the beginning of the manoeuvre in comparison to those obtained with a fixed update time equal to the averaged mean update time.