Multi-Sensor Ascent Phase Track Correlation

PSI proposes a development program targeting several significant advances in track correlation algorithms to address ballistic missile defense threats such as medium to large sized raids in the context of the C2BMC. These algorithms manage the cooperation and data fusion between multiple BMDS sensor elements during all phases of flight including the challenging ascent phase, and in highly resource limited scenarios. During previous work during the Phase I, PSI developed an innovative bias estimation and cancellation algorithm and system architecture, built and tested non-linear process models geared to precise adaptive nonlinear tracking of ascent-phase missiles and related objects, performed basic work characterizing key errors for certain platforms involved in the ascent phase, and selected and tested a robust and fast correlation metric. PSI proposes during the Phase II to integrate these new capabilities within its full BMD scenario test harness, and analyze the performance of the algorithms under stressing ascent phase raid conditions. Both high-fidelity simulations, flight-test data already in-house, and additional information provided by our subcontractors will be employed. Where appropriate, algorithm development will continue, and we will work with a BMDS prime contractor during the Phase II to prepare and plan for technology insertion into the BMDS.