Airborne Reconnaissance Systems

Abstract

The Airborne Reconnaissance System (ARS) Program develops and integrates next generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. ARS includes platform agnostic sensor data processing; sensor products aiding assisted target recognition algorithms and other artificial intelligence activities (e.g. geolocation models, sensor-base exploitation tools, sensor networking capabilities); and implementation of Sensor open architecture standards. The ARS Program includes the following efforts: Next-Generation Sensors (672001), Agile ISR (672002), Sensors Open System Architecture (672003), Imaging and Targeting Support (674818), Sensor Development (674820), JTS/SIL MUSE (675092), Gorgon Stare (675291), and Data Compression (676025). The ARS PE is integral to developing multi-domain, multi-Intelligence (multi-INT) research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) Program of Record (PoR) efforts in support of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and 2018 DoD Artificial Intelligence Strategy, as applied by the Air Force in the Next Generation ISR Dominance Flight Plan. Specifically, Program 0305206F provides authorized and appropriated funding to multi-INT RDT&E efforts for utilization on airborne platforms. This program traditionally provides a multi-INT venue for integration of technologies matured in both the Advanced Technology Sensors (0604257F) and Airborne SIGINT Enterprise (0304260F) programs. Additionally, with the creation and maturation of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), the multi-INT efforts will also be integrated and executed using the openIntONE product line under Sensor Integration category within Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). ABMS/openIntONE mission and funding is dedicated to integrating PoR capabilities into ABMS On Ramps, then those ABMS fused efforts will then be transitioned back to the PoR to sustain and field. Next Generation Sensors (NGS) PoR is specifically tied to the openIntONE product line and supporting its directives. NGS is a platform-agnostic suite of sensors defined for the best flexibility and capability for an ever-changing scale of ISR missions. Execution of the NGS activities are founded upon three pillars: Open Standards, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning(ML) algorithms, and Advanced Platform-Agnostic Sensors. The power behind the NGS program is an open architectural system design that enables rapid third party model and LRU insertion/replacement allowing for DevSecOps execution, onboard multi-modal and multi-INT processing, sensor cross-cueing, and AI/ML application. The AI/ML algorithms will be used to enable assisted target detection and identification. NGS will anticipate and more quickly counter our adversaries' future improvements in their abilities to hide from and defeat our ISR sensors. NGS efforts include, but are not limited to: Triple Raven multi-GEOINT Advance Technology Demonstration (ATD), Multi-Intelligence Common Open Architecture Reconnaissance Programs Standard (MI-COARPS), Raging Parakeet Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD), and Assisted Target Recognition for ISR (ATRI). The Open Standards pillar of next generation capabilities is supported through MI-COARPS and Sensors Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) which coordinates advanced technologies, and open architecture development for multi-INT sensor modalities. The AI/ML algorithm pillar of next generation capabilities will be supported by the Agile ISR and Data Compression efforts. Detection, Removal and Characterization Operations (DRACO) supports the development of a robust image quality improvement capability for airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) products. Additionally, the Reduction of Data Using Compression Enhancement (RDUCE) develops data compression algorithms, addressing current and future date dissemination systems' bandwidth limitations. Consistent with NDS, algorithms are multi-INT sensor agnostic that are submitted for formal adoption by the DOD-Intelligence Community (IC) Joint Enterprise Standards Committee (JESC) GEOINT and SIGINT standards groups. Platform Agnostic Sensors pillar of next generation capabilities will be supported by the Sensor Development effort, which includes the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS) front end antenna array and receiver exciter advancements (ASARS-2B). ASARS-2B follow-on RDT&E extends range, enhances Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) and SAR performance and introducing maritime capability, while laying the framework for future use of open architectures. Additional efforts that support the next generation capabilities include continuation of Gorgon Stare Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI) RDT&E and the Multiple Unified Simulation Environment (MUSE) Joint Technology Center/Systems Integration Lab (JTC/SIL) by supporting ISR Training. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver technology and sensor capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605831F. In FY20 0.857M expended and in FY21 1.742M is estimated for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2022
Source ID
0305206F_7_3600_PB_2022
Change Summary Explanation
FY20 decrease (-720K) due to Below Threshold Reprogramming to support approved TENCAP efforts. FY21 Congressional markup (+1.775M)
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • C4I
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Compression
  • Data Processing
  • Detection
  • Full Motion Video
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Ground Control Stations
  • Life Cycle Management
  • National Security
  • Radar
  • Surveillance
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar
  • Target Recognition
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Geospatial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence Analytics

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy

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