John B. McKitterick

Multifunctional millimeter-wave radar system for helicopter safety

A multi-featured sensor solution has been developed that enhances the operational safety and functionality of small airborne platforms, representing an invaluable stride toward enabling higher-risk, tactical missions. This paper demonstrates results from a recently developed multi-functional sensor system that integrates a high performance millimeter-wave radar front end, an evidence grid-based integration processing scheme, and the incorporation into a 3D Synthetic Vision System (SVS) display. The front end architecture consists of a w-band real-beam scanning radar that generates a high resolution real-time radar map and operates with an adaptable antenna architecture currently configured with an interferometric capability for target height estimation. The raw sensor data is further processed within an evidence grid-based integration functionality that results in high-resolution maps in the region surrounding the platform. Lastly, the accumulated radar results are displayed in a fully rendered 3D SVS environment integrated with local database information to provide the best representation of the surrounding environment. The integrated system concept will be discussed and initial results from an experimental flight test of this developmental system will be presented. Specifically, the forward-looking operation of the system demonstrates the systems ability to produce high precision terrain mapping with obstacle detection and avoidance capability, showcasing the systems versatility in a true operational environment.

Sensor deployment planning for unattended ground sensor networks

Networks of unattended ground sensors are fast becoming a reality, but little attention has been paid to date to the problem of how to plan an effective deployment of these sensors. Since the performance of the networked sensors depends on weather, target type, communications, terrain, and on how the sensors cooperate, the problem of planning a deployment is a very complex one. We will show how these factors can be included in a deployment planning tool that allows the warfighter to plan a deployment of acoustic sensors in near-real time. This tool can also be used as a health-monitor for the network of sensors, allowing the warfighter to maintain the network of sensors at a level of effectiveness needed to meet the mission goals.