Fusion of Airborne Surveillance and Intelligence Information

Airborne ISR platforms generate tactical air picture representations using kinematic information from radar and combat identification information from ELINT. This program seeks to develop a fusion system that is capable of combining airborne MTI (AMTI) radar data and airborne target ELINT (ATE) data to provide a Common Operating Picture (COP). Numerica's proposed fusion approach is formulated within the context of a multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT) system, and it leverages Numerica's extensive expertise in distributed tracking architectures. Numerica's approach specifically addresses the need for a classification-aided data association process that uses the target classification information provided by the AMTI and ELINT systems. The program will also address the need for track initiation methods using bearing-only airborne ELINT reports within the context of a multi-INT network-centric architecture. The program will involve the maturation of the Numerica Multiple Frame Association (MFA) Track/Fusion Software System for potential transition into an operational system. Numerica will specifically evaluate the potential for transition into the Air Force NCCT Program, which has requirements for a AMTI-ATE fusion capability.