Geolocations with Distributed Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sensors

The Phase I effort, through analysis and continuing simulation, proved the feasibility of improving the accuracy of locating an emitter with an unknown waveform by a method that uses more of the information in the received signals than previous methods.The approach generalizes AOA and TDOA, normally used in triangulation methods, and combines them into an algorithm estimating location directly. We found a superior method of selecting parameters for times when we are limited in the amount of informationthat can be sent to a central processing location. We developed a software simulation program to be used for quantitative assessment in typical scenarios. The method was also shown to be capable of improved location accuracy in the presence of multipathdispersion on each receive path by utilizing the synchronized diversity effect of multiple sensors. The method can be implemented with small portable location sensors with distributed control.Based on the method validated in Phase I, a complete fieldable prototype system is proposed. The system uses an ad hoc wireless network for inter-sensor communications and the design is compatible with a transition to a JTRS-type radio. The location ofemitters can be calculated by the user requesting the location and can be distributed for digital map display over the network. The prototype system will be used to demonstrate performance in controlled tests.