Use of range vernier data in missile post-flight accuracy evaluation

Rockwell conducts accuracy evaluations for the Ogden Air Logistics Center for selected Minuteman Operational Test flights. As a part of these evaluations, regression analysis are performed with guidance-minus-radar slant range comparisons as observables. Typically there are six or seven radars tracking the post-boost vehicle which carries a coherent C-band transponder. Several of these radars also provide range rate data. For a recent Minuteman III test flight, an experimental range vernier tape generated by Federal Electric Corporation was supplied to Rockwell. This tape contained data from one site only, and was used in conjunction with the standard assortment of radar tapes in the post-flight evaluation. This paper describes and shows examples of the effects of using range vernier data.