Which description matches smoothing in ARPA context?

• A. The method of calibrating radar gains for better accuracy
• B. The process of estimating speed by extrapolating from last two positions
• C. The mathematical process used by the ARPA processor to determine the probable track of a target based on a series of past positions
• D. The technique for reducing noise by smoothing individual measurements

Answer: (C)

ARPA smoothing is about using a history of target positions to estimate the most likely path of the target. The ARPA processor applies a motion model to several past detections and blends them to produce a single, smooth track that minimizes estimation error. This approach leverages more information than a single measurement, reducing uncertainty and providing a stable trajectory for guidance and decision-making. The description that matches this idea is that it is a mathematical process used by the ARPA processor to determine the probable track of a target based on a series of past positions. The other options describe different radar data handling: calibrating radar gains is about measurement calibration; extrapolating speed from just two positions is a simple forecast not using the full history; and smoothing individual measurements refers to noise reduction on single readings rather than building a track from history.