Estimation of target location and sensor misalignment angles

Abstract

Data indicative of a line of sight to a target is obtained from a sensor mounted on an aircraft. Data indicative of an orientation of the aircraft relative to the Earth is obtained from a navigation system associated with the aircraft. An expression is generated that couples a first variable indicative of misalignment of an orientation of the sensor and the orientation of the aircraft and a second variable indicative of the location of the target relative to the Earth. The first variable and second variable are determined using the data indicative of the line of sight from the sensor to the target and the expression coupling the first variable and the second variable. The misalignment of the orientation of the sensor and the orientation of the aircraft is compensated for using the first variable. The location of the target relative to the Earth is determined using the second variable.