Biased Estimation Properties of the Pseudolinear Tracking Filter

Estimation bias in the pseudolinear filter applied to bearings-only target tracking is discussed. Approximate expressions for the pertinent error terms are developed and subsequently used to predict tracking performance under realistic operating conditions. It is shown that once own-ship executes a maneuver, only the estimated range vector remains biased; the corresponding velocity vector becomes asymptotically unbiased. Further investigation reveals that this range bias is highly dependent upon geometry and can be altered by additional own-ship maneuvers. Experimental data are presented to support these findings.