Joint tracking and classification based on aerodynamic model and radar cross section

•The real aerodynamic model of the airplane is used as target motion model.•RCS is included in the measurement vector and it provides main classification feature.•FEKO is used to real-time simulate RCS data, so complicated calculation is avoided.•IMMRPF is implemented to jointly track and classify targets, and results are superior.

We present interacting multiple model regularized particle filter for the X-band active surveillance radar to jointly track and classify air threaten targets. The actual aerodynamic equations for flight are used as motion model, and automatic target classification is made possible by the inclusion of radar cross section in the measurement vector. Thus, tracking and classification are closely coupled, giving full play to the advantages of joint tracking and classification. The proposed methodologies show good performance according to simulations.