A detailed simulation of a 'closed loop' multi function radar

A 'closed loop' simulation of the BAeDS family of multi function radars has been developed by the Radar Systems group at Cowes. The closed loop nature of a MFR, where the next task executed by the radar depends on the results of previously executed tasks, causes the performance of the radar to be dominated by the effects of positive and negative feedback. Many of the resulting effects can, in practice, be studied only with the aid of a detailed simulation which models all the major parts of the system, including the environment. The model reported here consists of a number of 'plug in' sub systems designed to be easily replaced with similar units. This enables different systems to be modelled by changing only the detail of each sub system. The model has proved its worth by demonstrating unexpected behaviour due to feedback. The initial use of the model demonstrated that unforeseen feedback loops, involving the track extractor, rendered the original energy partitioning between surveillance and track initiation, derived on the basis of an open loop model, less than optimal.