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Developments in Range Instrumentation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

J. E. A. Harrison
J. E. A. Harrison*
Affiliation:
RAE, Aberporth
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Summary

Developments in Range instrumentation for trajectory measurement over the past ten years are reviewed, and some possible future developments discussed. Instrumentation systems considered include kine-theodolites, tracking radars, multi-station Doppler systems and interferometers. Some common sources of error are discussed; it is shown that atmospheric retraction variations may be the limiting factor on the accuracy of modern trajectory measuring systems.

The most important problems during the next five years will arise from requirements for very low level weapon systems, high precision tracking of small targets with fast response characteristics and long range high precision tracking of space vehicles. Developments to meet these requirements will lead to further requirements for completely automatic data processing for the high data rates needed. It seems probable that fewer completely new instrumentation systems will be developed during the next five years, more attention being given to reducing the size of airborne transponders and other equipment and increasing the reliability and accuracy of existing equipment. Systems using a common carrier lor telemetry signals and tracking may appear.

Considerable work on isolating sources of error in existing systems and reducing them is going on and will continue. This will be combined with more advanced post-flight analysis techniques during the next five years.

Type
Astronautics and Guided flight Section
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 70 , Issue 671 , November 1966 , pp. 987 - 996
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1966

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