Calculation of the Intercept Geometries for Engagement

One of the fundamental functions of the radar systems is weapon control. (The weapon terminology stands for any asset in the tactical environment like a fighter jet, bomber, etc) Recent aircrafts are equipped with their onboard radars. These radars have narrow viewing area and short range compared to the surveillance radar systems. Due to these shortcomings of the weapon radars or some malfunctions, weapons require guidance assistance from the surveillance radar systems. There are three weapon control schemes which are "close", "loose" and "broadcast" control. This paper discusses the intercept geometries which are associated with "close control" hence other control types are beyond the scope of this paper. Close control intercept geometries are calculated in a manner to guide the weapon to a specified location or a moving target. When a change in the target kinematics occurs the calculated geometry becomes invalid and therefore geometry calculations have to be refreshed at every radar update. Four attack options for the intercept geometries are realized: Cutoff, Pursuit, Stern and Stern Conversion. These attack options result in different types of geometries and the implementation of these geometries and error analysis of the implementation constitute the scope of this paper