A digital computer program for real-time computation of radar cross section on a dynamic target

Abstract

This thesis describes the design and use of a computer program for the real-time computation of radar cross section of a dynamic target using the NIKE/AJAX radar. The program is written specifically for use on the SDS-9300/CI-5000 hybrid computer system but could be adapted to other data processing systems. The input data consists of transmitted values of range, bearing and elevation from the NIKE/AJAX radar digital data buffer and sampled values of automatic gain control voltage and logrithmic amplifier output voltage from the NIKE/AJAX radar. Outputs include values of target range, bearing, elevation, velocity, heading, angle, X and Y positions, instantaneous values of target cross section and averaged values of target cross section. These computed quantities are converted into scaled voltages which are transmitted to displays in the radar laboratory. Although the system at this tine provides only a basic real-time capability, it provides a foundation for further work planned in this area.