Software Cost and Schedule Estimating

Atmospheric refractivity conditions have significant influence over radio frequency (RF) propagation in the Earth's troposphere. Refractivity conditions can vary from sub-refraction to strong-trapping, thereby altering radar detection, measurement, andclutter performance across its coverage volume. Current Navy radar systems operate without regard to changing refractivity conditions, mainly because quantitative descriptions of such conditions have not been generally available to operational systems andcould not be converted to their propagation performance equivalent in near-real-time. Recent advances in the areas of refractivity estimation from basic parameter measurements and from clutter measurements, coupled with improvements in the processingefficiency of Parabolic-Equation-based propagation models, can narrow that gap. This proposal identifies applications for ship-based radars, such as the AN/SPY-1 family, whose performance could be enhanced through judicious utilization of refractivityinformation. It describes architecture and techniques to combine information from linear, high-resolution, clutter-maps, with information from propagation-coverage-maps, to improve radar performance in detection, tracking, engagement, and resourceconservation, and to further extend the utilization of such information to improve radar sensor fusion and combat system performance. Specific techniques to be analyzed in detail during the Phase I base-period in order to establish their feasibility aredescribed - each with its corresponding technical approach.This research and development effort could lead to clear understanding of shipboard sensor applications whose performance could be enhanced via judicious use of combined propagation and clutterinformation, and of the processing architecture and processing algorithms required to support such improvements. It could be used to enhance the performance of new fleet sensors and combat systems via appropriate design, and of legacy systems throughupgrades. A proposed software analysis package, which will contain pertinent architectural elements, will be marketed to potential radar and radar upgrade developers, in support of specific algorithm developments.