Self Contained Agile Tracking Element Refined (SCATER)

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) swarm attacks on USAF bases continue to be an emerging threat as UAS technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and inexpensive. SciTec’s Phase I Self Contained Agile Tracking Element Refined (SCATER) solution addresses the UAS swarm challenge by using multiple COTS sensors and edge processing technology to track drones during a swarm attack in real-time. The resulting mono-sensor tracklets (i.e., 2D tracks) are sent to a sensor-agnostic mission data processor (MDP) where they are fused with other tracklets to form high fidelity 3D tracks that inform operators in charge of defensive weapon systems.    The SCATER reference architecture is modular and adaptable, providing the AF with the option to deploy it as a stand-alone system or integrated into existing (or emerging) AF base defensive systems.    We leverage our previous work in this area and the availability of COTS and FOSS technology to bring a cost-effective solution that readily transitions to a Phase II effort and a commercialized product. Our Phase I effort develops an Agile minimum viable product (MVP) that demonstrates the SCATER prototype and conducts trade analysis on the key performance parameters and deployment options.