Common Operational Specific Emitter Identification (SEI) functionality for sustained Electronic Warfare (EW) systems

ABSTRACT: This SBIR develops, enhances, and integrates multiple Specific Emitter Feature (SEF) techniques and provides an"Operational Specific Emitter Identification (SEI)"[aka Specific Emitter Tracking (SET)] function for sustained Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. Multi-technique extraction and fusion algorithms are leveraged from the AFRL Multi-Technique SEI Test-bed (FPGAs and C/C++) and now in transition to Navy EW programs. New and existing concepts were investigated in Phase-I and performance assessed for resolving same-type emitter ambiguities operating at the same RF and Mode. Modern agile-agile, narrow, long pulse, and intentionally modulated signals are addressed. Automatic feature extraction and match algorithm selection, tracking and updates minimize operator interaction and provide high confidence reports. A Phase-II demonstration concept for testing and characterizing the performance was developed after reviewing and assessing the feasibility of implementing SEI/SET technology into legacy EW systems. An approach was formulated with emphasis on a particular EW system of interest. In Phase-II the COMOPSEI prototype is developed, integrated with a candidate EW system, and demonstrated in laboratory environments using real-world emitter data to show increased identification performance. After Phase-II, RAS will work with EW system primes and the government to transition and demonstrate the technology in the operational EW system of interest. BENEFIT: The key benefit provided to the government by this SBIR is improved situational awareness and thus enhanced survivability by addressing several pulse-processing deficiencies identified in current operational Electronic Warfare (EW) systems. Examples include real-time ambiguity resolution between same-type emitters at the same RF, PW and PRI; enhanced threat warning and self-protection against radar-guided airborne and ground-based threats; reduction in lost and fragmented tracks; proper correlation of RF agile emitters; and proper assessment of raid count thereby providing more efficient allocation of resources to counter the threat. Improved Emitter ID is obtained with the proposed approach as automatic intentional modulation on pulse (IMOP) measurements, shown on other programs to reduce emitter ID ambiguity, is provided. Other benefits include tracking platforms suspected of carrying contraband or WMD, enhanced spectrum knowledge and management, identifying particular platforms (air and surface) from day-to-day and enhancing real-time EOB update accuracy, and in supporting kill removal and damage assessment, Initial military commercialization applications are sustained operational EW airborne platforms; for example the F-15C, B-1 or B-2 (and perhaps the AF B-2 Defense Management System Upgrade). Other possibilities include the NAVY F-18E/F digital receiver upgrade ALR-67(v3) and NAVY surface and sub-surface applications. RAS is currently working with NAVSEA NUWC on the Unique Emitter ID Phase II SBIR and RIF program for AN/BLQ-10B EW Modernization; many functions, FPGA cores and C-code modules will be able to be directly leveraged. Another possible application is the NAVSEA NSWC Surface EW Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block II. Out technology is readily inserted into the COTS NDI, FPGA based digital receiver. Algorithms from this SBIR would have direct application in future upgrades. RAS will explore, with the COTR, applications to these programs as well as others recommended by the government to transition Phase II technology into a Phase III. The concepts to be demonstrated have numerous military and commercial applications. They can be employed in a wide variety of tactical and strategic operational missions encompassing Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Support (ES), Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems where multiple same-type signals must be rapidly intercepted, characterized and countered. Potential applications in the private sector include passive tracking of RF devices such as cell phones and wireless waveform characterization, RF identification verification, and spectrum assessment and (re)allocation. These will be explored in more detail during the Phase II program under RAS business development funding.