A time difference of shock wave arrival approach for determining strafing parameters in three dimensions

This thesis is concerned with developing an advanced method of detecting and scoring air-to-ground gunnery fired from military aircraft for the purpose of improving the delivery proficiency of aircraft pilots. It describes the current system approach used by the United States Navy and details the deficiencies inherent in that approach that can severely affect system accuracy. The limitations of the current system as a training tool are also documented as well as reasons for developing a new scoring approach rather than investing additional funds into upgrading the present systems.; A new scoring method is presented and a mathematical proof of the scoring algorithm is documented. Field test results of the scoring algorithm are documented for several stages of the development. The testing and evaluation of commercially available hardware is presented with the goal of developing a low cost state-of-the-art system built around the scoring algorithm. Finally, a software program is detailed that incorporates the scoring algorithm, integrates and automates system hardware, and provides an operator with accurate and comprehensive results from firing high-rate bursts of projectiles from actual aircraft gun systems.