Improved Fusion of Sensor Array Data for Tactical RF Emitter Geolocation

The predominant method used in electronic support measure (ESM) systems to detect and geolocate noncooperative RF emitters employs arrays of antennas to estimate signal angle of arrival (AOA). There are several issues that preclude wide installation and use of these for emitter geolocation. One issue is accuracy. There are various error sources, including signal noise, multipath effects, and ambiguity when there are multiple transmitters. To combat these difficulties requires skilled operation, and that data be collected over long time periods and large geographic areas. Other issues with such systems are cost, payload size weight and power, and processing lag that precludes the timeliness needed in tactical operations. The main effort under this program is to reduce these burdens, with a system that can be installed more easily on a wide variety of platforms. Primarily, this is achieved through better ways of accounting for the specific errors arising in AOA estimation. The envisioned product is a self-complete geolocation system, including hardware and software, with low cost and SWAP to enable ubiquitous installation. It can automatically detect, geolocate, and inform users of the source of signals of interest, including GNSS interferers.