Advanced ABIR Correlation and Fusion Algorithms for an Enhanced C2BMC

The current U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) is comprised of a range of components, the integration of which is the responsibility of the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) system. In the current architecture, track data from Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) systems and ground-based radar systems are processed separately. However, ongoing work is developing the BMDS OPIR Architecture (BOA) that will modernize the fusion of OPIR and radar tracks. In addition, MDA is assessing the overall IR data processing approach because of the need to integrate a new sensor, the Airborne IR (ABIR) sensor. This proposed program specifically addresses ABIR system needs and has the following main goals: (i) develop a new multi-sensor IR correlation and fusion system, based on MHT technology, for the ABIR application; (ii) develop this solution such that it integrates OPIR and radar data to enhance the ABIR processing; (iii) develop this solution such that it integrates with the C2BMC track processing system; and (iv) conduct significant trade studies to determine the performance of various algorithm approaches and configurations. The program will provide recommendations about the preferred approach for ABIR-C2BMC integration.