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Terrain Following Radar

Terrain-following radar allows aircraft to automatically maintain a constant altitude above the ground level by transmitting radar signals towards the ground ahead and analyzing the radar returns to see how the terrain varies. This technology is primarily used by military strike aircraft to enable very low-level flight at speeds under 100 feet to avoid enemy detection. Some advantages are terrain masking and workload reduction for pilots, while disadvantages include potential for collisions if obstacles are missed by radar and vulnerability if radar emissions are detected. Alternatives provide only limited passive terrain-following functionality.

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293 views3 pages

Terrain Following Radar

Terrain-following radar allows aircraft to automatically maintain a constant altitude above the ground level by transmitting radar signals towards the ground ahead and analyzing the radar returns to see how the terrain varies. This technology is primarily used by military strike aircraft to enable very low-level flight at speeds under 100 feet to avoid enemy detection. Some advantages are terrain masking and workload reduction for pilots, while disadvantages include potential for collisions if obstacles are missed by radar and vulnerability if radar emissions are detected. Alternatives provide only limited passive terrain-following functionality.

Uploaded by

YaSir JuTt
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Assignment

Advanced Digital Communication Systems


Terrain-Following-Radar

Submitted to: Prof. Shahzad Ameen Shaikh


Submitted by: Muhammad Yasir
CMS id# 274104

MS EE-18
Dated: 11-03-2019
Terrain-following radar (TFR) is an aerospace technology that allows a very-low-flying aircraft to
automatically maintain a relatively constant altitude above ground level. It is sometimes referred-to
as ground hugging or terrain hugging flight. The term nap-of-the-earth flight may also apply but is more
commonly used in relation to low-flying military helicopters, which typically do not use terrain-following
radar. The technology was originally developed by Ferranti for use with the TSR-2 aircraft.

Technology and usage


The system works by transmitting a radar signal towards the ground area in front of the aircraft. The
radar returns can then be analysed to see how the terrain ahead varies, which can then be used by the
aircraft's autopilot to maintain a reasonably constant height above the earth.
This technology is primarily used by military strike aircraft, to enable flight at very low altitudes
(sometimes below 100 feet (30 meters)) and high speeds, avoiding detection by enemy radars and
interception by anti-aircraft systems. Normally, this radar is used by the navigator and allows the pilot to
focus on other aspects of the flight besides the extremely intensive task of low flying itself. It can also
enable low-altitude flight at night and in other low-visibility conditions.
Some aircraft such as the Tornado IDS have two separate radars, with the smaller one used for terrain-
following. However more modern aircraft such as the Rafale with phased array radars can look forward
and at the ground simultaneously, by electronically steering one or more beams in milliseconds.
Most aircraft allow the pilot to select the ride "hardness", to choose between how closely the aircraft
tries to keep itself close to the ground and the forces exerted on the pilot. The F-111 used a switch to
select for a hard, medium or a soft ride.
The TFR computer will consider many factors in determining the flight path for the aircraft. These factors
include, distance to the forward terrain, aircraft speed and velocity, angle of attack and quality of signal
being returned.
Terrain-following radar is also sometimes used by civilian aircraft that map the ground and wish to
maintain a constant height over it.
Military helicopters may also have terrain-following radar. Due to their lower speed and high
maneuverability, helicopters are normally able to fly lower than fixed wing aircraft.

Advantages and disadvantages


By flying at very low altitude, the aircraft can take advantage of terrain masking and avoid detection by
enemy radar systems. The system is also largely automated and can take some of the workload off the
pilot.
The radar emissions can be detected by enemy anti-aircraft systems with relative ease once there is no
covering terrain, allowing the aircraft to be targeted. The use of terrain-following radar is therefore a
compromise between the increased survivability due to terrain-masking and the ease with which the
aircraft can be targeted if it is seen.
Since the radar cannot tell what is beyond any immediate terrain, the flight path may suffer from
"ballooning" over the top of high ground. Furthermore, small obstacles such as radio antennas and
electricity pylons may not show up on the radar at all. The objects present collision hazards when flying
at very low level.
Even an automated system has limitations, and all aircraft with terrain-following radars installed have
limits on how low and fast they can fly. Factors such as system response-time, aircraft g-limits and the
weather can all limit an aircraft.

Alternatives
There are very few alternatives to using terrain-following radar for high-speed, low altitude
flight. TERPROM, a terrain-referenced navigation system provides a limited but passive terrain-following
functionality.

References
1. R. J. Starling, C.M. Stewart, (1971) "The Development of Terrain Following Radar: An account of
the progress made with an airborne guidance system for low flying military aircraft", Aircraft
Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 43 Iss: 4, pp. 13–
15 https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/eb034756. via Emerald Insight
2. TSR2 Terrain Following Radar Development – 1959 to 1964 Archived2011-07-24 at the Wayback
Machine stevebroadbent.net, (pdf) Recollections of Bill Blain, Ferranti Defence Systems Ltd.
Edinburgh
3. Krachmalnick, F.M., Vetsch, G.J., and Wendl, M.J. (1968) Automatic flight control system for
automatic terrain-following, Journal of Aircraft 5(2), 168–175.

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