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3. TARGET TRACKING (TT)
3-24
3.18 Factors Affecting Target Tracking
Sea returns
If the radar anti-clutter control is adjusted properly, there is no serious effect because
distant wave clutter, not eliminated by this control, is filtered out by more than one
bang correlation and scan-to-scan matching of data.
Rain and snow
Rain clutter can be acquired and tracked as targets. Adjust the rain clutter control to
suppress the clutter. If it is heavy rain, switch to S-band if provided, or switch on the
interference rejector on the radar. If heavy clutter still exists, switch to manual acqui-
sition. Accuracy can be affected.
Low clouds
Usually no affect. If necessary, adjust the rain clutter control.
Non-synchronous emissions
No effect.
Low gain
Insufficient or low radar receiver gain will result in some targets not being acquired at
long distance. The TT display will be missing on one or more targets that could only
be visible if the radar sensitivity control (GAIN control) were increased.
The setting of the correct radar receiver gain is not critical but the target should be on
the radar PPI and be clearly visible and well defined.
Manual acquisition is done if a target is positively displayed more than once. Automat-
ic acquisition is done when the target is detected 5-7 times continuously.
Tracking continues if a return echo is received at least once in nine antenna rotations.
However, the fewer the return echoes the lower the accuracy. If no return echo is re-
ceived within nine antenna rotations the target is declared a lost target.
Second trace echoes
When the radar beam is super refracted, strong echoes may be received at such long
ranges that they appear on a different timebase sweep than the transmitted pulse.
This gives an incorrect range indication. Second- and third-trace echoes can be
tracked if they are consistent enough to meet acquisition and tracking criteria but tar-
get course and speed data will be in error.
Blind and shadow sectors
Radar shadow or blind areas caused by obstructions aboard the ship, for example,
funnels and masts, in the path of the radar beam can result in reduction of radar beam
intensity in that particular direction. This may eliminate the detection of some targets.
The TT system will lose track of targets shortly after they are lost on the radar picture
and if they remain in a blind zone. These targets will however be acquired and tracked
when they pass out of the blind zone and again present normal radar echo. The an-
gular width and bearing of any shadow sector should be determined for their influence
on the radar. In certain cases false echoes in the shadow sector cause the TT system
to acquire, track, and vector them. Shadow sectors should be avoided.