Defeating angle tracking: A comprehensive analysis of scan rate modulation jamming against sequential lobing radars

Abstract The authors analyse the sequential lobing radar (SLR) resistance against the scan rate modulation (SRM) jamming technique. Unlike previous studies, the authors analyse SLRs with sinc antenna patterns, enabling investigation of the sidelobe region's vulnerability. By incorporating second‐order angular tracking loops (SOATLs), the first analysis of break‐lock probability for SLRs under SRM jamming is introduced. The analysis reveals the influence of SOATL parameters (damping ratio and natural frequency) on both angular root‐mean‐square‐error at low jamming‐to‐signal‐ratio (JSR) region and break‐lock probability at high JSR region. Additionally, the impact of squint angle on SLR resistance to SRM jamming is examined. Furthermore, the optimal duty cycle as a function of JSR, which maximises break‐lock probability is presented. Significantly, the theoretical results support the 20 dB JSR requirement for SRM effectiveness, often cited experimentally in literature, and extend the theoretical analysis of the SRM technique carried out for the main lobe region of SLRs. This finding bridges the gap between theoretical analysis and practical observations.