Optimal Radar positioning for Missile Detection

For this project, we had to setup a system which is capable of simulating radars with a predefined coverage and some probability of detection curves along distance and object cross-section. The radar detection has to work on a 3D terrain (DEM or polygonal) with shadow effects according to depression angles. For each scenario, there are a fix launching point for the missile and a fix target. In between, a user-defined trajectory following valleys to minimize the risk of detection. Missile has to perform nap-of-the-earth maneuver according to its dynamic capabilities.

vsTASKER is used to automatically position the radars on the terrain, according to specific rules (exclude valley positions, exclude too far positions, exclude positions too close to another radar, etc). Once positions are randomly selected for all radars, the scenario can start: missile is launched and follows the trajectory
towards the target until final hit. During its course, detection time is monitored and evaluated (how long was the detection, by how many radars, single and simultaneous detection, etc.)

After thousands of runs, the ten best configurations (from the highest note to the least) are kept and saved on disk for later review. Features:

  • Snap of the Earth navigation
  • Line of Sight detection using mountainous terrain
  • Target cross-section modeling
  • Monte-Carlo simulation
  • Batch mode
  • Repeatable scenario
  • High Frequency runs
  • User defined criteria for radar detection