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Integrated Data Registration for Networked Aircraft
Navy SBIR 2011.2 - Topic N112-101 NAVAIR - Ms. Donna Moore - [email protected] Opens: May 26, 2011 - Closes: June 29, 2011 N112-101 TITLE: Integrated Data Registration for Networked Aircraft TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Information Systems, Sensors ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-231, E-2C/D Hawkeye RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected. OBJECTIVE: Develop an integrated data registration capability for Navy aircraft that supports network synchronization of time and navigation sources as well as sensor alignment, taking into account the errors and biases associated with these sources. DESCRIPTION: All tactical sensors have biases. Biases occur in the measurement dimensions (e.g., range, bearing, and elevation) as well as the assumed position and alignment of the aperture (e.g., navigation set position, lever arm from navigation set to aperture, and the orientation of the aperture face). The problems are compounded when operating in a networked environment in which the exchange of information using a common spatial reference and a common time reference is essential. If these biases are not sufficiently reduced, then a variety of tracking and engagement-related failures may occur, including less accurate tracking, failed engagements of hostile targets, and improperly identified targets. A novel integrated data registration solution that accounts for the fundamental errors present in target or position reports received from multiple local sensor apertures or between local and remote units is needed to provide local sensor and navigation alignment to absolute DoD standards; improvements in tracking, correlation, and measurement-to-track association performance; and greater interoperability with legacy and other sensor networking systems. Proper data registration results in improved accuracy, which leads to improvements in warfighter effectiveness. An Integrated Data Registration capability is needed that accounts for all factors to include aircraft altitude errors, to begin to implement a sensor network designed to work with different kinds of aircraft. Related schemes for correcting sensor bias have been implemented in L-16 using primitive algorithms. Cooperative Engagement Capability implemented a more modern approach from 1990s technology. Far more sophisticated algorithms were developed in laboratories for years and included in the Single Integrated Air Picture (SIAP), Integrated Architecture Behavior Model (IABM); unfortunately cancellation of the SIAP program prevented the technology from being validated as �fleet ready.� The various algorithms are not being deployed for an open sensor network. A solution is needed for a tactical system which is subject to intermittent power failures, potential loss of GPS signal, unexpected sensor performance, etc. So, at this point, the modern science is all theoretical with no innovation PHASE I: Develop an integrated data registration solution and then demonstrate the technical feasibility of its use on aircraft. Unclassified data would be provided for Phase I. The effort could propose one or more experiments to incorporate data registration algorithms in a Navy aircraft environment so that battlespace data can be used in nonheterogeneous networks based on precise World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS-84) alignment. This effort might also propose additional improvements that could facilitate integrated data registration. PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a working prototype that can accurately predict the range of time, navigation, and sensor errors from both fixed and variable sources. Bring the prototype into a neutral laboratory and measure performance using recorded Navy aircraft data. PHASE III: Integrate the algorithms into applicable Navy Platforms PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Data registration algorithms could be used in any netted sensor framework; for example, if a group of radio telescopes across a great distance are being used to survey the same regions of space, with their data fused, these algorithms could be employed to account for variations in sensor and clock bias. Likewise, these algorithms could be used with geological mineral surveys with multiple recorder arrays to provide more precise data registration. REFERENCES: 2. Koyak, R. (2000). Joint Interoperability of Theater Missile Defense Systems: Extending the Scope of Testing. Retrieved from http://www.stormingmedia.us/30/3074/A307483.html 3. Single Integrated Air Picture (SIAP) HPEC 2006 http://www.ll.mit.edu/HPEC/agendas/proc06/Day2/03_Fairbairn_Pres.pdf KEYWORDS: gridlock; sensor bias; alignment; navigation errors; time synchronization; ellipsoid; covariance
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