Sensor Resource Management of IR Assets

Emerging infrared (IR) sensor assets will play a crucial role in creating a robust and flexible Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) because they are more easily deployed in forward-based and/or space-based environments, providing coverage of threats beyond the range of terrestrial sensors, and enabling launch-on-remote or engage-on-remote firing doctrines that extend the range of weapons systems. However, IR sensors pose significant challenges, requiring coordination of two sensors to produce 3D tracks, special techniques to deal with merged measurements, and efficient control of mechanical steering. In this Phase II effort, we propose to develop a complete sensor resource management (SRM) solution for IR assets composed of two main parts. A local-level SRM located in a ground station coordinates the low-level activities of IR sensors and generates fused tracks. A network-level SRM in the C2BMC performs high-level coordination of radar and IR assets to maximize engagement success in raid scenarios. The solution leverages previous work by Numerica on IR tracking, IR SRM, and C2BMC SRM and battle management, producing an integrated prototype in the BMD Benchmark that enables a mission-level assessment of the benefit IR sensors bring to the BMDS.