Target Tracking with Variational Multi-Detection Mode under Unknown Parameters for HFHSSWR

Abstract

The shipborne High-Frequency Hybrid Sky-Surface Wave Radar integrates a sky-wave transmitting channel and a ground-wave receiving channel on a shipborne platform. This hybrid radar system combines a skywave source with the added flexibility of a far-away shipborne radar. Ionospheric stratification and height uncertainty introduce uncertainties in the sky-wave channel, resulting in multiple measurements of one target. Additionally, the shipborne platform position is affected by sea state, causing errors in azimuth accuracy setting and subsequently reducing target tracking precision. In this paper, we propose for the first time a target tracking method that combines ionospheric variations with the motion of a shipborne platform. It introduces the variational Bayesian method into the multiple detection mode, which solves the effects of ionospheric altitude error and orientation error of shipborne platforms due to different sea states on target tracking. Simulation experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Therefore, the proposed method promises advancements in shipborne radar systems for maritime surveillance applications.