Low Elevation Track Correlation in Support of Ascent Phase Intercept

Propagation Research Associates, Inc., (PRA) proposes to utilize its unique capabilities in atmospheric effects characterization, atmospheric effects mitigation, and track processing to develop multispectral track correlation algorithms to improve boost phase optical-to-radar track correlation for multiple sensor fusion in support of ascent phase intercept of ballistic missiles. PRA proposes to improve track correlation algorithms utilizing atmospheric refraction and turbulence measurements along low-elevation and long-range slant paths. The proposed approach will enable enhanced effectiveness in track correlation subroutines and enable effective sensor fusion in situations where sensors have less than ideal viewing geometry of a launch event. PRA has also developed an innovative track processing approach to mitigate these effects in the forward-based to mid-course radar-to-radar handover problem. The algorithms proposed here will increase the coverage area of BMD airborne optical sensors and forward-based radar and fire control components. In Phase I, PRA developed and tested track correlation algorithms utilizing atmospheric refraction and turbulence measurements and developed a preliminary algorithm for increasing handover probability. In Phase II, PRA proposes to continue these efforts and validate the approach to enhanced track correlation using a combination of high fidelity simulation and multispectral data collected from various RF/EO/IR sensors for actual flight tests.