Range estimation using angle-only target tracking with particle filters

We consider the recursive state estimation of a maneuverable aircraft using an airborne passive IR-sensor. The main issue addressed in the paper is the range- and velocity estimation using angle-only measurements. In contrast to standard target tracking literature we do not rely on linearized motion models and measurement relations, or on any Gaussian assumptions. Instead, we apply optimal recursive Bayesian filters directly to the nonlinear target model. We present novel sequential simulation based algorithms developed explicitly for the angle-only target tracking problem. These Monte Carlo filters approximate optimal inference by simulating a large number of tracks, or particles. In a simulation study our particle filter approach is compared to a range parameterized extended Kalman filter (RPEKF). Tracking is performed in both Cartesian and modified spherical coordinates (MSC).

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