H-V POLARIZATION CONTROLLED MAP MATCHER MISSILE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

A reference grid for a map matching missile guidance system is generated from a vertically polarized radar map and a horizontally polarized radar map, both of which represent radar returns from a preselected ground area. In generating this reference grid, illuminating radar pulses are alternately fed to a horizontal aperture and vertical aperture of a mapping radar. Horizontal radar returns and vertical radar returns are processed in separate channels to form a radar map of the ground area containing the target to which the missile is to be directed. A pixel-by-pixel comparison of the data in each map is performed to create a polarization diverse map which is essentially those returns from man-made objects. This map is then used by the missile guidance system as a reference grid for a final fix by which the missile obtains its final course orientation enroute to the target.