Track Correlation / Sensor Netting

The current missile defense system incorporates overhead IR sensors as well as ground-based radar sensors for detection and tracking of ballistic missile events. Data from these sensors are separately fused into tracks before finally being associated in the C2BMC using the Ballistic Launch Estimation Algorithm (BLEA). This architecture introduces significant latency in the use of the overhead IR data, and does not take advantage of potential state vector accuracy, data association, and feature estimation improvements that could be provided with direct IR-radar data fusion alternatives. Near-term upgrades to the C2BMC are intended to provide a track-based IR-radar fusion capability; however, the current upgrade path does not directly address the track latency problem nor the diversity of feature data available in the multiple sensor phenomenologies. The Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) system, in particular, will require rapid access to fused AN/TPY-2 radar and DSP infrared data in order to perform its enhanced boost phase and early midcourse intercept mission. We therefore propose to develop a tracking algorithm that includes the ability to perform measurement-based IR-radar data association and fusion, with a specific focus on providing early warning, enhanced track update rate, and greater track accuracy in support of mission functions such as discrimination and forward interceptor fire control. This IR-radar track fusion approach will also provide an initial entry point into future C2BMC requirements for distributed track processing from multiple phenomenology data.