Advanced Algorithm Development

"XonTech, Inc. proposes to conduct a SBIR Phase I program to determine the effectiveness of XonTech's Bayesian Detection Processing (BDP) algorithms in improving missile detection and tracking performance. BDP is a method for enhancing signals that are tooweak to be used by a conventional tracker (ones that are below the detection threshold), due to either low radar cross-section (RCS) or obscuration by noise. We show that BDP has been applied with success by XonTech to detect a low-Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR) aircraft in ground clutter about 5 dB below the first threshold normally employed in UHF radar data. In this Phase I program, we propose to demonstrate that BDP achieves enhanced missile detectability over conventional processing techniques, usingdata cases of interest to the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program. Specifically, we will demonstrate and quantify BDP's increased detection capability in one or more of the following configurations: at greater range than current techniques, duringpassage behind rain clouds, and to enable simultaneous detections of low RCS base and tip returns from the Re-entry Vehicle (RV) to aid in length estimates.Successful implementation of BDP tracking in BMD systems could provide major improvements in detection performance and in overall system effectiveness. As stated in the abstract, the potential benefit of employing BDP in BMD systems is that it could provide major improvements in detection