Dynamic Scheduling of Joint Strike Fighter Sensor Assets to Support Tracking and Identification of Ground Targets

Toyon Research Corporation proposes to develop algorithms that will task Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) sensors so that they are able to locate and identify ground targets. Our approach is to treat the problem as a closed-loop feedback system where a fusionand tracking process works with a dynamic sensor-tasking module (DSTM) to maximize the amount of information contained in a track database. The amount of information is quantified using an objective function such as the information-theoretic definition ofthe expected entropy in the track database given a candidate sensor schedule. The domain of sensor tasks involves a range of different radar modes and wave-forms for the radar, the pointing location and zoom control of the EOTS, and the activities of theIFF portion of the CNI system. In order to evaluate the sensor-tasking module, we will enhance a JSF model within the SLAMEMT simulation with the assistance of our subcontractor Lock-heed-Martin. Additionally, we will work with Lockheed-Martin to implementthe DSTM within a JSF/Lockheed-Martin simulation. We will demonstrate the operation of the tasking algorithm in real time for a scenario selected in cooperation with the Navy and JSF staff. The successful completion of this research will result in thedevelopment of a sensor manager that supports the location and identification of ground vehicles. This will be useful for many military applications in addition to civilian uses such as border patrol, counter-drug and counter-terrorist operations, andfishery law enforcement.