Large Area Coverage Search-while-Track and Engage (LACOSTE)
Abstract
The Large Area Coverage Search-while-Track and Engage (LACOSTE) program explored persistent, tactical-grade ground-moving target indicator (GMTI) capability in dense urban areas. Wide-area continuous tracking of moving vehicles requires very small coverage gaps, small resolution cells, and target separation and identification features. The ideal sensor has the area coverage rates of GMTI radar and the resolution/identification capabilities of an electro-optical infrared system. The LACOSTE program provided wide area surveillance, simultaneous tracking, and target engagement with electro-optical and infrared sensors for tactical GMTI operations. The program developed a sensor with a very wide field of regard, and a wide instantaneous field of view (FOV) that is rapidly scanned in a search-while-track mode, tracking up to thousands of targets in an urban area. Additionally, the LACOSTE sensor provides next-generation precision tracking to enable engagement on a large number of targets in dense urban areas within that same field of regard with minimal penalty on the search-mode area coverage rate. The program also developed a rapid "zoom" capability for target identification that enables feature-aided tracking through dense target environments, plus sufficient target identification for separating like-targets when back-tracking a particular target via the historical track data. The LACOSTE technology was transitioned to the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army at the conclusion of the program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 54fd93740cc34fc26d145c1055c23ab6
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- Root: SENSOR TECHNOLOGY