Method for determining the location of a source of radio radiation by a single bearing

Introduction. Solving the problems of localization and mapping the areas of probable location of radio emission sources in the combat zone are today the key functions of any situational awareness and electronic support system. A situation in which a significant amount of information recorded by the appropriate detection sources is simply not used leads to a quick deterioration in the quality and reliability of the operation of the relevant systems. Problem. The absence of mechanisms for effective utilization of information from detection sources in the presence of a limited amount of data on the detected radio emission source. Purpose. Development of an approach to determining the location of a radio emission source in the absence of sufficient information for triangulation or trilateration from detection sources. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes modern methods and approaches to detecting the movement and position of radio emission sources, which are based on the principle of passive radio frequency surveillance based on the reception and analysis of existing electromagnetic signals in the environment. To estimate the probable value of the radio emission power, a well-known model of radio wave propagation in free space was used, as well as an approach based on the application of the accumulation of statistical data on triangulated radio emission sources. Results. For the first time, the direction-finding approach is combined with an estimate of the probable value of the radio emission power, based on a model of signal propagation in free space and the accumulation of statistical data on previously localized sources. Based on the proposed approach, a method for determining the location of a radio emission source by a single bearing is developed. Conclusions. The presented method can be used to implement individual components of situational awareness systems that are based on the application of data coming from various sources of electronic support.