Automated Targeting for Precision-Guided Munitions in Flight

Analysis and experimentation suggests that the Phase 1 goal, to develop an integrated process and systems architecture that automatically passes mensurated-targeting information to Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) in flight, is feasible using existing systems. Our innovation builds upon related ALPHATECH weapon-target pairing (WTP) work successfully demonstrated at multiple Joint Expeditionary Force Experiments (JEFX). WTP employs many features relevant to PGM targeting including mensuration tool interface, Joint Effectiveness Munitions Manuals (JMEMs) data usage, time on target, fuel, and threat calculations. The primary WTP product, J9.0 command messages, is transmitted to execution authorities that divert designated assets to targets. We developed and demonstrated a WTP to Rapid Precision Targeting System (RPTS) interface. RPTS, with WTP information, created and forwarded target folders (including imagery and mensurated coordinates) to launch platforms in flight. Our innovation leverages our previous efforts and investigates direct interface processes for JMEM/Air-To-Surface Weaponeering System (JAWS), or Weapons Effects Analysis & Probability Software (WEAPS), or other front ends. We will investigate interface improvements to mensuration tools, Launch Acceptability Region (LAR) calculations, and formatted data generation and transmission for launch platforms and PGMs. The process establishes paths to automated generation and transmission of PGM pairings and consideration of different PGM options.