Ballistic Missile Innovative Signal Processing, Data Fusion and Imaging Products

We propose the concept of multiple waveform discrimination using a predictive filter approach, eliminating the need for correlation detection entirely. There is existing interest in the radar community in the use of chaotic waveforms because of theirsignal characteristics. There is furthermore a perhaps even more important technologically-relevant attribute of these signals that is often overlooked: They are the output of nonlinear deterministic dynamical systems. This means that, for example, theycan be produced by a circuit as simple as a nonlinear Colpitts oscillator. It also means that they can be predicted in time. Imagine two or more radar systems producing signals that are different dynamically, that is, they do not follow the samedeterministic equations. The processors on the two radars should be able to independently track their respective signals. There is no precedent for this application of predictive filter theory, because there is no history of the use of deterministicwaveforms in radar. If this approach can be carried out, we could produce a simple device to replace much of the electronics in the radar signal processor. The military and commercial potential for an radar signal processing technology that reduces costand complexity, and is capable of operating in real time is enormous. We anticipate that these benefits are within reach, and believe that the application of dynamics-based methods is critical to achieve them. There is also a need for new modulationtechniques that increase flexibility in transmission and reduce receiver complexity. This is of primary concern in multiuser systems. Our proposed modulation technique allows flexibility at a pulse by pulse level, and greatly reduces receiver complexity.The goal is an increase in overall system capacity and spectral efficiency. The commercial implications of these improvements are considerable.