A heuristic algorithm for position estimation

A primary anti-submarine warfare task is to detect and track target submarines using expendable sonobuoys deployed from airborne platforms such as maritime patrol aircraft or shipborne helicopters. Of particular interest is tracking targets when the only useful information provided by the sonobuoys is detected frequency data. This task must be performed in real-time to meet mission objectives. In addition there are limitations to the amount of processing power that can be applied due to the airborne environment and its premium on power, weight and volume. An algorithm has been developed heuristically which provides an estimate of target state data for the above conditions. The algorithm is based on solving the Doppler equation using frequency information provided by a sonobuoy field. The target state data obtained can then be used directly or to initialise more sophisticated tracking systems. The algorithm has been applied to a number of scenarios and although not tested exhaustively, the algorithm´s performance has met all expectations, including results obtained using recorded trials data. This paper describes the algorithm and performance results