Simulation of Multi-Platform Geolocation using a Hybrid TDOA/AOA Method

Abstract : The problem of geolocation of radar emitters has been studied extensively in the past decades. Several location methods such as the methods based on measuring frequency difference of arrival (FDOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), angle of arrival (AOA), etc., have been investigated in the past. However, each method has its own advantages and limitations in terms of location accuracy. This report presents a multi-platform geolocation scheme by combining TDOA and AOA methods for three-dimensional (3-D) geolocation of radar emitters. A mathematical model is developed by combining sensor information such as AOA measurements, TDOA measurements and sensor position information from all platforms. A least-squares (LS) solution based on the model is derived by processing the sensor information. Through the use of the proposed hybrid TDOA/AOA location scheme, location ambiguity due to using TDOA method alone can be resolved and better location accuracy can be achieved. In addition, unlike single platform geolocation techniques, multi-platform geolocation generally results in quick localization of radar emitters. Therefore, it will reduce response time to incoming threats and improve situation awareness. A Monte-Carlo simulation is presented using additive white Gaussian noise to demonstrate the performance of the proposed hybrid TDOA/AOA geolocation method. (U)