Passive Ground Moving Target Indication for Gunship Aircraft Using Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAV-PGMTI)

Video sensors play an increasingly important role in surveillance and reconnaissance missions, including tactical, strategic and domestic border security. One recent example involved video from a Predator Skyball being sent via data link to an AC-130 Gunship crew for real time targeting use. The data went through D/A conversion, transmission and A/D conversion, which caused significant information loss. Consequently, the crew's ability to find small terrorist vehicles in mountains was significantly reduced. A better approach is to process the video data at the sensor. Computers at the sensors can detect and track small moving objects, which are then called to the attention of human operators to make informed decisions about whether or not to engage. The operational impacts are shorter engagement timelines and reduced crew risk from ground fire.