Resource management in multifunction array radar

In recent years phased array antenna technology has been maturing rapidly and this form of transduction is set to become the norm in complex and advanced radar systems. The radar can now adapt its parameters according to how it perceives its operating environment. This allows the combination of functions, such as tracking, surveillance and weapon guidance, which were traditionally performed by dedicated individual radars. This new type of radar is called multifunction radar. However, whilst being able to instantaneously and adaptively position and control the beam has clear advantages, it also brings a new set of challenges. The radar resource management problem is how to allocate finite available resources in an optimal way if multifunction radar systems are to realise their full potential. In this thesis, aspects of resource management techniques were investigated, including task scheduling and methods of prioritising radar tasks and functions. A model of a multifunction phased array radar was developed to examine the complex problem of inter relations in this type of radar. Initially, two different scheduling approaches that have been described in the literature were implemented and compared for similar operational conditions. In both cases, the use of the radar time line and the ability to schedule radar tasks close to their due times of execution were examined in both overload and underload situations. Results demonstrate that both methods gave comparable performance but one used the time resources more efficiently and hence provided greater scope for improving radar performance. In addition, adaptive prioritisation methods were developed to rank radar tasks in changing tactical scenarios. Both surveillance and tracking tasks were prioritised using fuzzy logic inference systems. The fuzzy approximation is a valid means to evaluate the relative importance of targets and sectors of surveillance. By assessing the priorities according to a set of rules that imitates the human decision making process in a similar tactical situation, the resource manager can distribute the radar resources in a more effective way, which is less likely to lead to under or over allocation of resources