Passive localization of moving emitters using out-of-planemultipath

The purpose of this work is to establish how a moving emitter, such as a jammer, can be localized by a passive receiver through the use of out-of-plane multipath signals reflected by the terrain. This is a novel localization technique that assumes no a priori knowledge of the localization of the multipath sources. The emitter parameters of range, heading, velocity, and altitude are estimated by exploiting the correlation between the direct-path signal and the delayed and Doppler modulated signals. Two basis assumptions about the scattering properties of the terrain lead to different maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs). The Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLB) are used to study estimator performance versus emitter velocity for each case. The proposed estimators are successfully demonstrated using field data collected at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) during the DARPA/Navy Mountaintop program     

雷达威胁环境下的无人机三维航迹规划

提出了一种雷达威胁环境下应用A*算法进行低空突防三维航迹规划的方法。首先对地形高程数据进行综合平滑处理,建立满足无人机机动性能要求的安全飞行曲面,并结合雷达威胁量化模型,计算出地形遮蔽雷达盲区的范围,最后在满足地形遮蔽雷达盲区的安全飞行曲面上运用A*算法规划出三维飞行航迹。仿真结果显示,该算法能简单、快速地获得三维最优航迹,易于工程实现。     

基于SAS算法的起飞一发失效应急路径规划方法

为解决起飞一发失效应急程序（EOSID）手动设计的不足,提出一种基于SRTM数据的稀疏A*搜索（SAS）算法的EOSID路径规划方法。首先采用航天飞机雷达地形测绘使命（SRTM）的网格地形数据,结合起飞一发失效相关规章,考虑爬升梯度与保护区限制确定可行搜索空间;然后基于可行搜索空间运用稀疏A*搜索算法搜索应急离场路径,在传统A*算法寻找扩展节点时加入起飞性能约束条件,同时利用地形高程数据进行地形和威胁回避,生成一条三维应急离场航迹;最后利用三次样条曲线对规划的应急离场航迹进行平滑处理。实验结果表明该方法能自动搜索出有效的EOSID三维航迹。     

A Dual-Mode Routing Algorithm for an Autonomous Roving Vehicle

A dual-mode algorithm for routing an unmanned autonomous roving vehicle designed to explore the uncertain terrain of other planets is presented. The algorithm consists of a global mode, which uses dynamic programming and terrain information available from photo reconnaissance data to determine a nominal optimal path, and a local mode, which routes the vehicle around obstacles whose presence, location, and extent are not known in advance. Gaussian probability density functions are used to simulate terrain for examples that illustrate the performance of the algorithm.     

Beamspace ML bearing estimation incorporating low-angle geometry

A problem in low-angle radar tracking, namely, bearing estimation in the presence of a strong specular multipath component that arrives within the beamwidth of the direct path signal, is studied. Three-dimensional beamspace domain maximum likelihood (3D-BDML) is a computationally simple ML bearing estimation algorithm applicable in this scenario which operates in a 3-D beamspace. A variation of 3D-BDML incorporating the multipath geometry as a priori information is presented. In symmetric 3D-BDML the pointing angle of the center beam is equal to the bisector angle between the direct path ray and the image ray, which may be estimated a priori given only the radar height and the target range. The effect of the inclusion of a priori information on the performance of 3D-BDML is analyzed in terms of the dependence on the relative phase difference between the direct and specular path signals, the sensitivity to error in the bisector angle estimate, and the results of operation when no specular multipath component is present in the data. In addition, computationally simple schemes for coherently incorporating multifrequency data into 3D-BDML are investigated     

基于Viterbi算法的扩频码与信息序列联合估计

针对短码DSSS（Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum,直接序列扩频）信号扩频码MLE（Maximum Likelihood Estimation,最大似然估计）问题,提出了一种基于Viterbi算法的扩频码搜索方法,并将其应用到同步CDMA（Code Division Multiple Access,码分多址）信号的扩频码估计中.该算法利用了扩频码码元为±1的先验知识,以向量的2-范数平方或1-范数作为度量值;每次判决扩频码码元时,计算2条可能路径的度量值,并选择使度量值最大的那条路径作为幸存路径,最终的幸存路径即为估计的扩频码;所提算法不仅计算复杂度低,而且能同时估计扩频信号的扩频码和信息序列.仿真实验表明,本算法在低信噪比时同样具有较好的性能.     

Autonomous airborne navigation in unknown terrain environments

We address the issue of autonomous navigation, that is, the ability for a navigation system to provide information about the states of a vehicle without the need for a priori infrastructure such as GPS, beacons, or a map. The algorithm is known as simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) and it is a terrain aided navigation system (TANS) which has the capability for online map building, and simultaneously utilising the generated map to bound the errors in the navigation solution. Since the algorithm does not require any a priori terrain information or initial knowledge of the vehicle location, it presents a powerful navigation augmentation system or more importantly, it can be implemented as an independent navigation system. Results are first provided using computer simulation which analyses the effect of the spatial density of landmarks as well as the quality of observation and inertial navigation data, and then finally the real time implementation of the algorithm on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).     

Implementing digital terrain data in knowledge-aided space-time adaptive processing

Many practical problems arise when implementing digital terrain data in airborne knowledge-aided (KA) space-time adaptive processing (STAP). This paper addresses these issues and presents solutions with numerical implementations. In particular, using digital land classification data and digital elevation data, techniques are developed for registering these data with radar return signals, correcting for Doppler and spatial misalignments, adjusting for antenna gain, characterizing clutter patches for secondary data selection, and ensuring independent secondary data samples. These techniques are applied to select secondary data for a single-bin post-Doppler STAP algorithm using multi-channel airborne radar measurement (MCARM) program data. Results with the KA approach are compared with those obtained using the standard sliding window method for choosing secondary data. These results illustrate the benefits of using terrain information, a priori data about the radar, and the importance of statistical independence when selecting secondary data for improving STAP performance     

On-line Vehicle Motion Estimation from Visual Terrain Information Part II: Ground Velocity and Position Estimation

An algorithm, combining velocity/height estimates, obtained from an airborne body fixed image shift estimator with auxiliary on-board measurements and sparsely stored terrain profile information constitutes an entirely passive autonomous navigation system suitable for moderate-g flight missions. Two versions are addressed. The "naive estimator," in which altitude estimates are multiplied by velocity/height estimaters, yields ground velocity. Position, obtained by integration, diverges with time. The "extended Kalman filter" (EKF) version, in which velocity and position are defined as state space components, locks on the stored terrain profile and does not diverge with time. It degenerates into the "naive estimator" if the terrain is completely flat. Numerical examples indicate excellent performance potential of the EKF estimator.     

An Automatic System for the Control of Multiple Drone Aircraft

A conceptual system is proposed and described for the control of a multiplicity of drone aircraft. Each target (drone) aircraft is controlled, during a given mission, over a separate preprogrammed path comprised of straight line and circular arc segments. Full control of each target's altitude, plan position, and velocity is available. Position measurement can be obtained by use of either a radar or a bilateration method where altitude is measured in either case by each aircraft and telemetered to a central control point. Velocity is obtained by smoothing position data in a central computer, which also controls the entire mission complex.     

基于流水避石原理的无人机三维航路规划方法

借鉴自然界流水避石现象,提出一种基于流体计算的无人机(UAV)三维(3D)航路规划方法.首先介绍了球心位于坐标原点时,球形障碍三维绕流问题的解析解.之后采用旋转平移矩阵与流线数据叠加方法生成了任意位置多障碍同时存在的三维流线.为验证解析解的有效性同时给出该方法基于数值模拟的计算过程,对适合无人机三维航路规划的流体模型和数值求解方法进行了分析,并给出了通过数值模拟求解航路的方法.最后,根据无人机机动约束对流线进行处理得到可飞航路,将航路长度、纵向和横侧向机动次数作为子目标函数对航路进行综合评价.仿真结果表明:解析法航路规划中,圆球障碍的地形建模简单计算量小,航路集中在由起点至终点的航路带间;数值法航路规划适合障碍分布复杂的地形,航路分布于规划空间中.这两种方法的航路平滑,能够满足无人机飞行约束,航路具有绕流意义的最优性,可以避免势场法的局部极小问题,并且可以提供多条备选航路.     

Improved clutter mitigation performance using knowledge-aided space-time adaptive processing

This paper presents a framework for incorporating knowledge sources directly in the space-time beamformer of airborne adaptive radars. The algorithm derivation follows the usual linearly-constrained minimum-variance (LCMV) space-time beamformer with additional constraints based on a model of the clutter covariance matrix that is computed using available knowledge about the operating environment. This technique has the desirable property of reducing sample support requirements by "blending" the information contained in the observed radar data and the a priori knowledge sources. Applications of the technique to both full degree of freedom (DoF) and reduced DoF beamformer algorithms are considered. The performance of the knowledge-aided beam forming techniques are demonstrated using high-fidelity simulated X-band radar data     

总能量控制原理在地形跟随飞行控制中的应用

应用总能量控制原理设计了控制飞行高度的地形跟随飞行控制系统,并通过引入飞行高度和飞行速度的偏差控制,基本消除了总能量控制系统存在的稳态误差;引入俯仰角和俯仰角速率反馈回路以增加阻尼,消除俯仰角振荡,最后对该系统进行了解耦性能和地形跟随仿真。结果表明,用总能量原理设计的地形跟随飞行控制系统体现了飞机升降舵和油门杆一体化设计的思想,可实现飞行速度/航迹角的解耦控制,对给定地形可达到良好的跟随效果。     

低空突防实时航迹规划计算机方案设计研究

地形跟踪/地形回避、威胁回避(TF/TA2)实时航迹规划计算机是综合TF/TA2低空突防系统的控制核心.系统按照由它产生的最优航迹产生制导指令,并控制飞行器按此最优航迹完成突防任务.本文提出了一种实时航迹规划计算机的设计方案.该方案采用由共享存储器耦合的三个智能模块(即智能总线接口、航迹规划处理机和数据处理机)并行运行的结构,以提高系统的运行速度,满足低空突防对航迹规划计算机的实时性要求.其中,航迹规划处理机和数据处理机的双机互备份降级运行方式提高了系统的可靠性.此外,以闪存为存储介质的内存数据库使系统检索和读取机载数据的速度大大提高,且闪存的非易失性保证了机载数据的可靠性.     

A method for improving extended Kalman filter performance forangle-only passive ranging

A relatively simple method is presented which eliminates previously reported (Oct. 1985) erratic estimation performance associated with Cartesian formulations of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) for the 2D angle-only emitter location problem. The technique is based on an initialization procedure which combines a priori probability density function (pdf) information with single measurement a posteriori pdf information in a manner which is more efficient than the EKF. Simulation results are presented which demonstrate the utility of the technique as compared with a previously offered modified gain EKF     

Stap using knowledge-aided covariance estimation and the fracta algorithm

In the airborne space-time adaptive processing (STAP) setting, a priori information via knowledge-aided covariance estimation (KACE) is employed in order to reduce the required sample support for application to heterogeneous clutter scenarios. The enhanced FRACTA (FRACTA.E) algorithm with KACE as well as Doppler-sensitive adaptive coherence estimation (DS-ACE) is applied to the KASSPER I & II data sets where it is shown via simulation that near-clairvoyant detection performance is maintained with as little as 1/3 of the normally required number of training data samples. The KASSPER I & II data sets are simulated high-fidelity heterogeneous clutter scenarios which possess several groups of dense targets. KACE provides a priori information about the clutter covariance matrix by exploiting approximately known operating parameters about the radar platform such as pulse repetition frequency (PRF), crab angle, and platform velocity. In addition, the DS-ACE detector is presented which provides greater robustness for low sample support by mitigating false alarms from undernulled clutter near the clutter ridge while maintaining sufficient sensitivity away from the clutter ridge to enable effective target detection performance     

Measurements of Phase-Front Distortion on an Elevated Line-of-Sight Path

An experimental study has been made of phase-front distortion in microwave signals sent over a slanted path. This distortion is important in systems involving phase measurements between a ground station and a moving upper terminal. To insure path stability, the upper terminal was simulated by a series of mountaintop antenna arrays. Phasefront distortion is analyzed in terms of time variations in radio range on a single path and in terms of first and second range differences between pairs of paths. The cross correslations of pairs of range and range difference records are discussed, and the strong dependence of correlation on fluctuation frequency is emphasized. Mountaintop terrain effects on the spatial homogeneity of the phase front are found to be insignificant. Some of the phase-front statistics are found to be weakly dependent on time of day and on wind velocity at the lower terminal.     

A Hybrid Navigation Concept Using a Spinning Satellite?Borne Interferometer and Self?Contained Equipment

This paper analyzes a hybrid navigation concept that uses signals from a radio interferometer mounted on a spinning geostationary satellite, preliminary position estimates from self-contained equipment, and stored a priori information on the past performance of this equipment. The craft-borne processor, optimum in the maximum a posteriori (MAP) sense, is designed to estimate position coordinates using only the incoming radio signals, although improved estimates result if the other two items are available. An error analysis starts with the derivation of an estimation error covariance matrix, whose elements depend on additive receiver noise and the physical parameters of the system. A minimum 1? estimation error in position is obtained by trading off these parameters. The effects of other major error sources, such as tropospheric phase fluctuations, multipath, and craft altitude uncertainty, are added to the estimation error to give a total 1? position error on the order of 3.7 to 5.6 km.     

Application of Endfire Arrays at Contemporary Glide-Slope Problem Sites

The application of the endfire-type, compatible instrument landing system (ILS) glide slope is discussed in the context of providing increased capability to install facilities without requirements for extensive terrain modification. Costs of preparing a site for glide-slope operation can be reduced many times by eliminating the requirement for the usual image-forming ground plane. An example is given where the first endfire glide slope has been installed at an airdrome on a mesa giving a high quality path in space in spite of the limited real estate. Recent flight data from this glide slope are presented.     

基于障碍凸化的改进环流APF路径规划

为改善人工势场法（APF）在复杂障碍环境下的路径规划能力，提出基于障碍凸化的改进环流APF路径规划方法。通过改变APF方法斥力势场的方向，使其形成绕行障碍边缘的环流，改善了APF方法在平台-目标位置连线与障碍边界垂直时可能陷入局部极小值的问题。针对多边形障碍（凹、凸）与圆形障碍，给出包括障碍初始化与相交障碍集合迭代凸化步骤的障碍凸化方法，将复杂障碍空间转换成为凸障碍的空间，避免平台进入凹多边形或相交障碍产生的凹区域而无解的问题。在仿真环境中，对比了传统APF方法、未使用障碍凸化的环流APF方法、使用障碍凸化的环流APF方法的路径规划结果，并分析了不同障碍数量、相交障碍数量条件下的方法计算耗时。根据结果，使用障碍凸化的环流APF方法能够明显改善APF方法在复杂障碍环境下的路径规划能力，方法实时性好，每个障碍所需的单步计算耗时约为0.02~0.03 ms，能够支持平台在复杂障碍环境下的在线路径规划。