Magnetic anomaly homing system and method using magnetic total field scalars

摘要

A magnetic anomaly homing system uses an array of magnetic sensors coupled to a non-magnetic platform. The array is defined by a plurality of single-axis subsystems with each one thereof having two magnetic sensors spaced apart from one another. A processor coupled to the magnetic sensors generates a plurality of magnetic total field scalars that can be used to directly home in on a magnetic object from both long and short-range distances to the target. The scalars define guidance control parameters used to steer the platform to align the platforms's direction of motion with the magnetic anomaly.