Mobile Target Tracking

Two of the most significant problems affecting the ability for loitering munitions (LM) to prosecute successful strikes are moving targets and RF jammed environments (GPS and C2).Ā Moving targets because tracker stability can be affected by target occlusion, air vehicle motion, and changes in target aspect, speed or direction. When a tracker loses lock, the operator must quickly re-designate the target.Ā However, in a local area RF jammed environment (e.g. Russian Volnorez C-UAS EW jammer attached to a target vehicle), the C2 RF link may be lost so the operator can no longer re-designate the target.Ā Additionally, if GPS is jammed, the Kalman filters commonly used for tracking stability no longer function with the accuracy required for successful strike even if the tracker maintains lock.Ā Ideally, a solution is needed that robustly and continually tracks targets over large distances and periods of time despite occlusions, changes in appearance, changes in target motion and loss of one or both GPS and C2 signals. Essential to improving tracking accuracy are re-detection mechanisms that ensure continuity, even when objects are temporarily occluded. Selecting features that remain consistent across frames is crucial for reliable tracking, as is the development of algorithms that balance computational efficiency with the need for real-time processing. Improving tracking involves a blend of leveraging cutting-edge technologies and overcoming associated computational and data integration challenges for adaptable, efficient, and accurate object tracking. The objective of this effort is to develop a method to autonomously track an operator or ATR selected target that will reduce manpower requirements and dependence on GPS and C2. ĀThe intent is for the method to have the ability to track and follow a mobile target from a distance and provide data to the flight control system for terminal guidance and strike using sensors and computational resources typical for a Group 2 loitering munition and at a TRL >=6. The expected result from this Phase 1 effort will be a proposed method, supported by simulation, trade studies and analysis, that can be implemented in a Group 2 surrogate SUAS in support of a Phase 2 or parallel effort.