Multi-target tracking algorithm of boost-phase ballistic missile defense

Considering the problem of multiple ballistic missiles tracking of boost-phase ballistic missile defense, a boost-phase tracking algorithm based on multiple hypotheses tracking (MHT) concept is proposed. This paper focuses on the tracking algorithm for hypothesis generation, hypothesis probability calculation, hypotheses reduction and pruning and other sectors. From an engineering point of view, a technique called the linear assignment problem (LAP) used in the implementation of M-best feasible hypotheses generation, the number of the hypotheses is relatively small compared with the total number that may exist in each scan, also the N-scan back pruning is used, the algorithm’s efficiency and practicality have been improved. Monte Carlo simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can track the boost phase of multiple ballistic missiles and it has a good tracking performance compared with joint probability data association (JPDA).