[2] The paper introduced a set of statistically "fluctuating target" scattering models to characterize the detection performance of pulsed radar systems.
[1] His work, particularly "First-Order Error Propagation in a Stagewise Smoothing Procedure for Satellite Observations," anticipated that of Rudolf E. Kálmán, whose linear quadratic estimation technique became known as the Kalman filter.
[2] Beginning in 1965, for several years Swerling was an adjunct professor of electrical engineering at the University of Southern California; he taught advanced seminars in communication theory and served on doctoral committees.
[5] Technology Service Corporation recognizes its founder by granting the Peter Swerling Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence to select employees who have made significant contributions to the growth and success of the company.
[7] Reviewing Swerling's impact, Solomon W. Golomb wrote that he was "probably the most influential radar theoretician of the second half of the 20th century, not only in the United States, but in the entire world.
[3] Swerling's survivors include his wife of 42 years, Judith Ann (née Butler), three children (Elizabeth, Carole, and Steven), and his brother Jo.