Abstract

A method of time scheduling mode dwell times corresponding to a multiplicity of targets, displaced in angle, range and velocity, in the frame time of an agile beam coherent radar without reducing the performance of the radar is disclosed. Targets corresponding to a plurality of target mode dwell times scheduled to a common time interval are grouped into a set of pulse repetition frequencies (PRF's) which make the targets visible in both range and doppler. The radar is varied to a different of the set for each coherent integration time of the common time interval. The mode dwell times of the targets of a PRF grouping are interleaved in their corresponding coherent integration time by time positioning the different target time event patterns with respect to the fixed interpulse period thereof to avoid eclipsing of the time events. The time positioning of the event patterns includes a combination of trial positioning and translating each of the target event patterns in a prioritized manner with the purpose of avoiding eclipsing of the time events thereof. The translating of a former target pattern to a new trial position may be performed by delaying the pattern start phasing thereof with respect to the fixed interpulse period of the corresponding integration time.

Other References

• Fleskes et al., "Adaptive Control and Tracking with the ELRA Phased Array Rader Experimental System", Apr. 1980, pp. 8-13, IEEE International Radar Conf., Arlington, VA
• A. Farina and P. Neri, "Multitarget Interleaved Tracking for Phased-Array Radar"; IEEE Proc. vol. 127, Pt. F No. 4, Aug. 1980