Analysis of real time emitter location algorithms for tactical electronic warfare aircraft

Abstract

Geographic location of radar emitters is the process of estimating an emitter's location upon the surface of the earth from direction of arrival (DOA) data for the targeted emitter. The current Emitter Location (EMLOC) algorithm utilized by the Grumman EA-6B Prowler is based on a thesis presented by Mr. Richard Opperman in June 1982. With the advent of increased processing demands on the AN/AYK-14 Tactical Computer as part of recent software upgrades to the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, it was hoped that a Kalman Filter, or Extended Kalman Filter based algorithm would reduce the processing time and memory requirements for the EMLOC algorithm. This thesis compares the current algorithm, and the Kalman/Extended Kalman Filters in a tactical scenario to determine if a change in the current Onboard Flight Program (OFP) should be recommended.