Picture Compilation in Multi-Platform Sensor Networks

The traditional approach to maritime operations in open ocean conditions (‘blue waters’) is platform centric. In this approach, an environmental picture is generated on each platform separately. High quality tracks can be made available to other platforms through classic data links, e.g. Link 11 and 16. In case of maritime operations in littoral waters, this approach is far from optimal due to factors as terrain screening, reception of landclutter, a more diverse threat and less available time for reaction. A substantial increase in quality of the environmental picture is demanded, which can be achieved using a multi-platform network centric approach. In this approach, sensor measurements originating from sensors on different platforms are exchanged and combined at an earlier stage of the processing chain, e.g. at contact (plot) level. Advantages are better track accuracy and continuity, improved robustness against jamming and less influence of environmental conditions. The principle is applied in the US Navy Co-operative Engagement Capability (CEC) system. Its high costs, intrinsic to the large required communication bandwidth, is felt as a drawback and alternative solutions are currently being explored. The paper is organised as follows. In Section 2 contact level fusion and track level fusion are compared in a qualitative sense. Subsequently, required features for a multi-platform sensor network that can easily be reconfigured are introduced. An architecture that meets these requirements is presented in Section 4. Conclusions are formulated in Section 5. Finally, references are given and abbreviations are clarified.