Simulation Environment in Support of Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) Algorithm Development

A software based simulation environment for stimulation of developmental NCTR algorithms is proposed. The proposed software will consist of a distributed architecture simulation, interconnected via a standard network protocol LAN. This simulation willinclude 3-degree of motion (3DOF) models of both surface ship and airborne surveillance platforms equipped with a modern volume search radar, a multi-function radar, and a long-wave and a mid-wave IRST. The simulation will also include a database of menuselectable target signatures that model an array of friendly, hostile and neutral air, space borne, maritime surface and land targets, with a capability to add or modify targets if desired. Target characteristics include all aspect signature profiles withnominal value ranges for measurable features and attributes consistent with the modeled sensors capabilities. Also included is a propagation phenomenology model with a database of attenuation and degradation effects of weather, multi-path, sea state,terrain profiles and scenario induced effects such as smoke and dust. The simulation scenario will be overlaid on menu selectable NIMA maps using a WGS-84 based reference grid over an elliptical earth profile. Surveillance platform and 3-DOF targetmaneuver and motion profiles will be scenario programmable based on selectable waypoint navigation, altitude and velocity profiles. The proposed simulation will provide a means to reliable evaluation of NCTR algorithm performance under a wide variety ofscenarios and sensor performance and configuration profiles. Use of this high fidelity simulation will preclude the expense and complexity of performing equivalent evaluation via field-testing on instrumented ranges using real sensors, surveillanceplatforms, targets and precision ground truth geometries. The transportability and networking compatibility of the simulation also makes it easily adaptable to training and joint service requirement applications. the simulation technology is also adaptableto non-military applications of air traffic control, search and rescue, law enforcement, and commercial vehicle tracking and location.