Model-based range extent for feature aided tracking

The military is interested in tracking ground-based moving targets from standoff distances for national security and protection of assets. Air reconnaissance platforms, under normal conditions, operate at standoff distances translating to depression angles of less than 15 degrees. At these low depression angles, simple range extent models may be derived from the two-dimensional size of the target. As sensor platforms migrate to space and as this technology is used in a combat mode then models that are robust to higher depression angles are required. In this paper we discuss a model-based approach to range extent estimation using scattering centers extracted using Xpatch, a high frequency electromagnetic scattering code. This approach uses high HRR profiles generated from scattering centers to window the HRR signal to aid in the determination of the range extent and is based on the signal levels inside and outside the window (signal versus clutter). In this study we use measured HRR profile data collected at National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) and Xpatch synthetically generated signatures from a tank at 15 and 20 degrees depression angle.