Imaging and Targeting Support

Abstract

The purpose of the Imaging and Targeting Support (I&TS) program is to develop and demonstrate next-generation, persistent, wide area surveillance, aircraft avoidance, and common imagery reconnaissance sensor capabilities (radar and electro-optical systems), including sensor data processing, for multiple airborne platforms, as well as sensor products to aid in rapid targeting (geolocation models, sensor-based exploitation tools, sensor networking capabilities). Developmental efforts pursued are: improved sensor capabilities such as hyperspectral imagery (HSI), measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT), polarimetric imaging, ground moving target indication(GMTI), foliage penetration (FOPEN), and additional radar, electro-optical, and other modalities; increased geolocation accuracy; increased dismount detection capability; advanced sensor data correlation; automated target detection; network centric warfare; and other Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and associated Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TPED) capabilities. These efforts are intended to reduce both target search and kill chain timelines as well as supporting traditional intelligence activities. This project will also increase interoperability among developed systems by developing common standards and tools. The funds in this project, less Congressional adds and Quick Reaction Capabilities (QRCs), are distributed in priority order for the goal of building a comprehensive Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capability for the USAF. On an annual basis, developmental technologies are reviewed against warfighter capabilities and requirements based on strategic roadmaps. Projects advancing the technological maturity of promising sensors and processing capabilities are reviewed and prioritized into a recommended list for senior executive direction to implement in the coming year. Traditional focus areas include, but are not limited to: development and demonstration of common radar and electro-optical sensors (Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Low Frequency SAR, and antenna, Electo-Optical(EO), Infrared (IR), HSI, Low Light, Laser Radar (LADAR), Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) and their operational modes (High Resolution Imagery, Ground and Dismount Moving Target Indication(GMTI/DMTI), Persistent Surveillance, Wide Area Motion Imagery (WAMI), Spectral Identification) for multiple airborne platforms, including medium and high altitude platforms; development and demonstration of advanced tactical sensor and associated TPED processing algorithms and tools (automatic registration, automatic and assisted target detection, network centric warfare). Development of integrated multi-sensor capabilities to detect and identify obscured targets (OT); development and implementation of imagery standards (Common Ground/Dismount Moving Target Indicator (GMTI/DMTI), National Imagery Transmission Format (NITF); and monitoring and enhancement of Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) product quality (radar and EO/IR imagery, GMTI data, and spectral information) and timeliness throughout the image chain (from sensor to user). These efforts focus on reducing the find, fix and track elements of the time critical targeting kill-chain timeline while improving operator and decision-maker efficiency and effectiveness. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2016
• Source ID: 674818_0305206F_7_3600_PB_2016

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Geospatial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence Analytics
• Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy