Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) Fusion Algorithm Development

"This proposal is concerned with Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) that is one of the most critical areas of missile and air defense systems and that is a major DOD R&D thrust topic. One of the most pressing needs for various DOD departments is thecapability to recognize or to identify unknown targets when no signal is available from a target to indicate the type of target that it may be. The set of unknown targets that can exist is extremely large and can include commercial and military aircraft,helicopters, cruise missiles, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The proposed research is focused on developing a fusion algorithm and a analogous simulation concept to asses the performance of the fusion algorithm that: (1) addresses the fusion ofmultiple sensors; (2) is inherently expandable to support future growth; and (3) allows an identification of the necessary software/hardware components by availability vs. need to develop or extend. The end product (Phase Three) for this effort would be afusion algorithm that, with respect to a single recognition technique alone, significantly increases the probabilities for correct recognition/identification of airborne and sea targets that are within or beyond visual range. If the proposed research issuccessful, it can have tremendous impact on numerous weapon systems that have a need for Non-Cooperative Target Recognition/Identification. The ability to achieve NCTR has been sorely