Tracking using magnetic gradiometry enables constant radius orbits around minelike targets

Passive magnetic measurements may be used to determine the azimuth, bearing and range to the target in real time using suitable signal processing without illuminating the target. Collision and even close approach must be avoided for classes of targets such as proximity fuzed mines. This paper describes a simple safety algorithm that monitors data from such a tensor magnetometer system and overrides the normal autopilot to ensure a minimum radius is always maintained from all magnetic targets encountered.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.