Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for performing automatic navigation of a first aircraft to a second aircraft is provided. The system includes a radar system, a processor, memory, and a flight control system. The radar system generates a one-dimensional radar profile of the second aircraft. The processor determines flight information of the second aircraft based on the generated one-dimensional radar profile and one-dimensional radar profiles stored in the memory. The flight control system automatically directs the first aircraft based on the determined flight information of the second aircraft. In one embodiment, the first aircraft is an unmanned airborne vehicle and the second aircraft is a tanker aircraft. In another embodiment, the radar system may include a high-range resolution radar.

Abstract: A pulse radar system capable of mapping multiple targets essentially simultaneously using a single radar antenna. By alternately transmitting radar pulses toward multiple targets positioned at different angles relative to the antenna and alternately receiving return signals from the multiple targets as the radar antenna is switched between multiple beam positions, a time-interleaved radar operation is achieved which enables multiples targets to be mapped, and thus tracked, at the same time. A different radio frequency is preferably employed for each target so as to avoid interference and ambiguous returns. Using the teachings of the present invention, between two and twenty radar maps, and possibly more, can be generated simultaneously in approximately the same amount of time required to map a single target using conventional systems of the prior art.

Abstract: A pulse radar system capable of mapping multiple targets essentially simultaneously using a single radar antenna. By alternately transmitting radar pulses toward multiple targets positioned at different angles relative to the antenna and alternately receiving return signals from the multiple targets as the radar antenna is switched between multiple beam positions, a time-interleaved radar operation is achieved which enables multiples targets to be mapped, and thus tracked, at the same time. A different radio frequency is preferably employed for each target so as to avoid interference and ambiguous returns. Using the teachings of the present invention, between two and twenty radar maps, and possibly more, can be generated simultaneously in approximately the same amount of time required to map a single target using conventional systems of the prior art.