The Kalman filtering algorithm and commonly used maneuvering target tracking models in the target tracking are firstly studied in this paper, tracking performances of all models based on the Kalman filtering algorithm are simulated and analyzed. Then, multiple model target tracking algorithm is analyzed and studied, which uses multiple motion models to match different target motion models and exists interacting between all models. In this paper，the target tracking of shipboard radar is simulated with MATLAB. It shows the feasibility of the interacting multiple model algorithm composed of a CV model and a CA model. The simulation results indicate，this algorithm obtains a better performance in tracking high speed and high maneuvering targets and a better balance between the performance and computational complexity，as well as very practicability, which is suitable for the tracking target of shipboard radar tracking target.