Technology Enablers for Layered Sensing

Toyon Research Corporation proposes to evaluate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) architectures and algorithms to enable effective layered sensing. The stated objective of this SBIR Phase II research effort is threefold. (1) Toyon will perform a system-level trade study of layered sensing architectures using SLAMEM®, Toyons comprehensive C4ISR entity level simulation.   This will include analysis of alternatives for layered sensing architectures that accomplish situational awareness (including detection, tracking, location, and ID of 80% of high-value targets) in a simulated battlespace-demo inspired by the Air Force USA-1a scenario. (2) We will also evaluate and further-develop Toyons command and control (C2) algorithms as layered sensing enablers. We will assemble Toyons C2 algorithms into a semi-automatic asset manager that interfaces with SLAMEM and controls simulated assets for optimal search, surveillance, detection, tracking, ID, etc. These asset managers will be networked, with a well-defined interface, so that similar modules developed by AFRL or other contractors can be easily swapped out for the Toyon-developed asset managers. (3) Finally, Toyon will create and deliver a version of SLAMEM that can be used to demonstrate the layered sensing ISR concept and provide a demonstration for the Raytheon Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) team with advanced asset management algorithms in the loop. BENEFIT: This project has three tremendous benefits.    First, the study of the layered sensing problem in a concrete manner will drive technology development requirements and potentially influence acquisition policy. Second, the demonstration of how asset control algorithms can be used as technology enablers is an essential part of the layered sensing solution.  Third, we will provide a virtual testbed that can be used as a stepping stone toward the planned Universal Situation Awareness 1 (USA-1) demonstration, as well as other future AFRL demonstrations involving layered sensing.