Identification and tracking of towed decoy and aircraft using multiple-model improved labeled P-PHD filter

Target identification is essential for the interception endgame of an aircraft that is protected by a towed radar active decoy (TRAD). In this paper, we analyze the joint rapid detection, the stability of tracking and the identification of highly maneuvering aircraft tied to a decoy. These aspects are resolved in terms of the range dimension using Finite Set Statistics (FISST) theory. In the introduction part, we propose an improved labeled particle probability hypothesis density (IL-P-PHD) filter that improves traditional L-P-PHD filter. Then, using the multiple-model (MM) method, an MM-IL-P-PHD filter for the interception of highly maneuvering target is developed. Finally, based on the proposed MM-IL-P-PHD filter and echo amplitude fluctuation characteristic based interference detection method, we establish a comprehensive frame for joint rapid detection, stable track and reliable identification of aircraft and decoy which are resolved on range dimension within radar beam. Simulation results are presented to prove the effectiveness of the proposed frame.