Tracking noise measurements on a manual tracking radar

Tracking noise measurements have been made on a manual tracking, sector-scan radar, Methods have been devised to measure the operator's tracking error, which has been assumed to be the principal source of tracking noise. In tests made with an actual moving target, it is extremely difficult to distinguish between tracking errors and the true target motion. In order to measure error alone, a technique has been developed in which a fixed target is given, known artificial motion. In this manner tracking error can be recorded for various target courses and speeds. Rate tracking and aided tracking have been simulated to allow experimental determination of optimum values of such parameters as aided tracking time constant and control sensitivity.