Cambridge Pixel has launched a new software-based radar tracker designed for manufacturers and integrators of deployed E-scan (electronic scan) radars. E-scan radars can be steered electronically and do not require a mechanically rotating antenna, thus reducing the radar cross-section and infrared signature of an installation and making it more ergonomic and robust for deployment in ground-based security surveillance applications or in air defence.
The new SPx Tracker-3D is a primary/IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radar tracker, with automatic track initiation that takes in plots (rather than video) from the sensor to create and maintain tracks, which can be output in ASTERIX format for external display or fusion processing. The software is capable of tracking up to 4000 targets, and allows users to configure target dynamics and heights appropriately, associating new plots with existing tracks, so that positions can be accurately updated using a Kalman filter. This is essential to ensure that noise from the measurement and possible manoeuvres of the targets are taken into account, filtering to accommodate varying degrees of uncertainty in the measurement process. Where new plots cannot be associated with existing tracks, they become candidates for new tracks that can be promoted, after a period of confidence build-up.
SPx Tracker-3D is compatible with Windows 10 (or later) and Linux, has a browser-based interface for initial configuration and reads terrain data at startup to define the 3D space surrounding the sensor, assessing whether targets are likely to be lost because of the terrain. Operators are able to move the viewpoint in real-time to help inspect targets, enjoying visualisation of plots, tracks, terrain and the associated configuration data.
Building on the techniques originally developed to create Cambridge Pixel’s SPx Server, which has been deployed widely around the world in situations varying from the protection of offshore wind farms, coastal surveillance, border security, surveillance of firing ranges and many air defence and naval projects where conventional 2D radars are in use, the SPx Tracker-3D is exclusively designed to operate with 3D data.
David Johnson, Cambridge Pixel’s Managing Director, commented: “This product expands our range of target tracking solutions to support the latest generation of advanced 3D and electronically-scanned radars.”
Richard Warren, Technical Director at Cambridge Pixel, said: “Airborne targets of interest are getting smaller and more agile, so using advanced tracking software is key to operational superiority in air defence. This new 3D tracker takes in plot detections with variable update rates, allowing for a greater granularity of information on key targets such as position, size, height and other statistics derived from the radar data, enhancing one’s air defence capabilities. Our software is highly flexible and can work with a wide range of commercial and military radars to assist our customers in providing effective security, and to combat an increase in terrorism, smuggling, piracy and insurgency.”
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