Autonomous Persistent Surveillance and Targeting for the Asymmetric Air Threat (APSTAAT)

Maritime asymmetric air threat detection begins with an in depth comprehension of the tactical picture. Security lies in the ability to sense threats in all environments. Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. (AOS) and Technology Systems, Inc. (TSI) have joined together to propose APSTAAT, a system for autonomous persistent surveillance for the asymmetric air threat. Low, slow flyers are threats to surface combatants at anchor or steaming in the littorals. APSTAAT will provide autonomous threat ID and allow a single operator to act as an entire watch team, supporting optimized manning concepts. The system will provide persistant surveillance even during times when the ship is at a relaxed readiness condition. APSTAAT consists of three software/hardware modules that can be integrated into the existing DDG 1000 system design or other surface combatants. These modules include: an Object Recognition System, an Expert System, and an Augmented Reality display. Accepting inputs from the wide variety of existing sensors. APSTAAT finds and assesses the threats, fuses and geo-registers the data in an augmented reality view, and hands off precision targeting data to weapons mounts. This powerful combination gives the commander unparallel situational awareness and the edge he needs to win the fight.