How Can I Perform Search and Track Using the Same Sensor?

In STK, the Radar object is used to perform Search and Track by making use of a Sensor object to point its Antenna. Analysis Workbench allows the sensor to switch modes by using two vectors in sequence.
   

1. Create a Place object to host the Sensor and Radar. The primary sensor (in red) is used for analysis and to display the search and track modes. A secondary sensor that shows the Field of Regard (in blue) is used here for visualization only.
2. Create a target (e.g., an aircraft object) that will be tracked by the Radar.
3. Define the primary sensor pattern (e.g., Complex Conic).

4. Define a geometric constraint on the primary sensor that can be used to determine the condition by which switching will occur.

5. Use the Vector Geometry Component of the Analysis Workbench to create a Custom Axes on the Place Object of type ‘Spinning,’ which will allow the Radar Antenna to scan when not tracking.

6. Create an Access between the primary sensor and the target.
7. Create a Vector of type ‘Scheduled,’ which will allow the sensor to switch modes.

1. Set the Schedule according to the Sensor to Target Access Interval List.

2. Set On Schedule to use the Vector To the target during the Access.

 

3. Set Off Schedule to use the X-axis of the Scan Axes previously created when there is no Access.

4. Select ‘Use Slew’ if desired to slew between sensor modes.
5. Click OK on Scheduled Vector properties.

8. Select Pointing Type to be ‘Along Vector’ for primary sensor.

9. Set Alignment Vector to be the Zenith(Centric) Vector for the Place object.
10. Set the Constraint Vector to be the newly created Scheduled Vector.
11. Create Antenna Object on primary sensor and create Radar Object on Place Object.
12. Link Radar to Antenna.

13. Perform Radar Analysis and generate reports and graphs as desired.

For more information on Radar, view our a six-part DIY series on Radar.