Optimal Algorithms to Measure Signal Arrival Angles by Radio Bearing Facilities Using Phase Methods

The application of maximum-likelihood technique to the signal arrival angles (azimuth and elevation) measurement based on the phase information in case of plane wave, correlated noise and arbitrary spaced antenna elements is considered. A maximum-likelihood linear equation system in relation to new parameters and the information and correlation measurement matrices are obtained using non- linear transformations of the signal arrival angles. Both the synthesis of the optimal algorithms for measuring the signal arrival angles and the analysis of their efficiency are carried out on the basis of the statistical modelling.