Firm track loss due to M of N track initiation of a radially inbound target

This paper examines the firm track loss incurred by a fixed frame time radar performing track initiation using search detections. Firm track loss is the additional beam energy needed to achieve a desired firm track probability on a radially inbound target compared to a stationary target at that same firm track range. Firm tracks are established using an M or more detections out of N observations criteria. The firm track loss in dB is nearly linear with the product of velocity and frame time divided by firm track range. It is also insensitive to probability of false alarm and target radar cross section fluctuation models. It can be represented by a simple quadratic equation. The loss can be included in a radar range calculation worksheet such as a Blake chart to predict firm track range. A linear relationship is found between the firm track range of a moving target and a stationary target.