Multimode Tracking for Next Generation Over the Horizon Radar (NG OTHR)

We propose the development of simple models that demonstrate the full OTHR multimode tracking process in both conventional and next generation systems. The models shall permit exploration and demonstration of well-understood limitations and ambiguities, and the performance of potential resolutions. The model components include a track generator, coordinate transform and statistics generator, mode association and linking scheme, Known Reference Point (KRP) data generator, and KRP association and assimilation scheme. Several innovative techniques to improve conventional multimode tracking are described and will be modeled. These are centered on 2-D OTHR and MIMO enabled mode selection. In a high-density target environment, these will be crucial innovations in eliminating ambiguity, but some ambiguities between closely spaced targets will remain. We therefore propose a new method of KRP assimilation, which uniquely associates ground location with propagation paths. We call this method Cooperative Othr Registration Technique (CORT). Due to the unambiguous nature of CORT, it is expected to be a most effective technique in improving OTHR robustness in a target dense, multimode track environment. A proliferation of CORTS could see a very different paradigm in OTHR tracking, leading to consideration of OTHR for new missions. BENEFIT: Anticipated Benefits The phase 1 developments will illustrate the potential of novel techniques for tracking and coordinate registration in next generation OTHR. They will demonstrate the degree to which the techniques address the fundamental ambiguities that limit accuracy and robustness of current systems. This provides valuable information for requirements development in next generation OTHR. If successful, the benefits of these techniques will be to eliminate many of the ambiguities in OTHR tracking accuracy that have limited the mission use of the sensor thus far. If these ambiguities can be removed then OTHR could, for example, be considered for low cost surveillance in denser target environments such as traffic monitoring in gap areas over CONUS. Potential Commercial Applications The phase 1 developments will provide valuable products in informing the OTHR TRRI phase 2 and ROTHR programs on the feasibility of new techniques in OTHR multimode tracking. Later phases will produce demonstrators of these techniques that may be used in the OTHR TRRI phase 2 or a next generation OTHR program of record. The CORT system is a novel development, which if it gained traction, would involve the proliferation of the method to participating cooperative targets. There would be a potential market for the sale of CORTS techniques and equipment in this case.