Advances in Real-time Tracking and Data Fusion using Multiple Passive Radar Sensors

The creation of an air situation picture is a task that can be tackled with a variety of different sensor types. Continuous improvements in all parts of the processing chain have made passive radar one emerging technology suited for that task. HENSOLDT has developed a passive radar system based on analog and digital audio and/or video broadcasting stations that is capable to detect and track, in real-time, airliners, small and maneuvering aircraft as well as fighters alike. The system can be operated as a single sensor but also in a sensor cluster. This paper recalls the underlying principles and building blocks of the tracking and data fusion software of the HENSOLDT Passive Radar System and briefly sketches the main challenges to be dealt with. Tracking results obtained with a cluster of four stations will demonstrate the overall surveillance performance as well as the claimed tracking capabilities.