JTIDS relative navigation with measurement sharing - Design and performance

Alternate approaches for conducting relative navigation (relnav) using the JTIDS communication network are presented. The design and performance of the current JTIDS relnav with estimate sharing of discussed, including its shortcomings. We offer first a conceptually simpler alternate design that provides more accurate relnav between any pair of members, provided they have time to maneuver. A second alternate design includes the features of the first plus adds measurement sharing by designated primary members. It has even better performance including faster more accurate relnav fixes and relaxed maneuvering requirements. Simulation results are presented showing the superior performance of the new designs. The advantages and disadvantages of relnav with measurement sharing compared with relnav with estimate sharing are summarized.