Efficient methods for computing azimuth estimates from amplitude monopulse ratios

An efficient method for computing azimuth estimates from amplitude monopulse ratios is required for an advanced radar system. Computational load requirements are inherently high because typically several thousand clutter target reports per scan survive the thresholds of the target detection logic. Monopulse editing is relied upon to merge likely target reports or discard clutter targets with azimuth estimates outside of the beamwidth. This paper describes an efficient and accurate method for computing azimuth estimates. Theoretical plots of azimuth estimation accuracy are presented for a specific example of an 18-element linear array UHF radar which provides an azimuth beamwidth of about 6/spl deg/. Tradeoffs among accuracy, computational load, and computer memory are discussed.