USW Intelligent Controller

In this project Daniel H. Wagner, Associates will develop of a highly capable USW Intelligent Controller (IC). Our IC will incorporate Bayesian inference, non-Gaussian tracking and non-Gaussian resource optimization techniques that utilize a geographical Situation Assessment (SA) picture generated by the SQQ-89 Data Fusion Functional Segment (DFFS). The IC will also use sensor effectiveness information generated by environmental acoustic systems such as the Sonar Tactical Decision Aid/Scalable Tactical Acoustic Propagation Loss Engine (STDA/STAPLE) when making its recommendations. These Bayesian inference, non-Gaussian tracking, and resource optimization techniques will allow the IC to optimize the use of available operator time, and of all available passive and active sensors by: (1) providing alerts concerning possibly threatening submarines or torpedoes; (2) recommending sensors/beams for operator investigation along with suggested tools for performing this investigation; (3) providing recommended maneuvers, sensor parameter settings, and tracks to optimize localization, tracking, and search effectiveness; and (4) (if UVs are present) providing alerts concerning potential collision/near-miss threats and suggested maneuvers to avoid them. In addition, the IC will be able to recommend PIM tracks to minimize vulnerability to threat submarines.BENEFITS: In Phase II we will develop a full-scale prototype IC. This Phase II system will allow us to demonstrate how powerful non-Gaussian resource optimization techniques, combined with Bayesian inferential reasoning and non-Gaussian tracking techniques, can significantly improve the ability of United States forces to conduct ASW and TD missions. Improved resource optimization technologies such as these are particularly necessary at a time when the United States is facing a sophisticated threat in difficult littoral environments, such as China, Korea, and the Middle East, with reduced resources. More effective detection, classification, localization, and tracking techniques will produce more effective operations, conducted at lower risk, resulting in fewer casualties to friendly forces and improved overall United States Navy and Joint Forces effectiveness.