How does ARPA determine a predicted track for a target?

How does ARPA determine a predicted track for a target?

• A. By measuring the target's size and color on the display.
• B. By guessing where the target will be based on its last observed heading only.
• C. By extrapolating the target's current position, course, and speed to forecast future positions and display a track.
• D. By ignoring current motion and plotting a fixed point.

Answer: (C)

ARPA predicts where a target will go by using its current state—position, course, and speed—and extrapolating that information forward to forecast future positions, which is then displayed as a track on the radar screen. This motion-based prediction is continuously updated as new radar measurements arrive, so the track reflects where the target is expected to be, not just where it was. It relies on how the target is moving rather than its appearance on the screen, and it does not fix the target to a single point or base prediction on a single heading alone.

ARPA predicts where a target will go by using its current state—position, course, and speed—and extrapolating that information forward to forecast future positions, which is then displayed as a track on the radar screen. This motion-based prediction is continuously updated as new radar measurements arrive, so the track reflects where the target is expected to be, not just where it was. It relies on how the target is moving rather than its appearance on the screen, and it does not fix the target to a single point or base prediction on a single heading alone.