Retention Probability in a Track-While-Scan Radar

The probability of maintaining the track file, after acquisition in a track-while-scan (TWS) radar, has been formulated and computed under various conditions of initial range, velocity, and track drop time. All calculations are based on a predetermined update probability versus range characteristic. Results, obtainable with a digital computer in just seconds of computing time, readily demonstrate the relative superiority of retention characteristics achievable for TWS radar with an electronically steerable array antenna.