Detecting, Tracking, and Identifying Airborne Threats with Netted Sensor Fence

Today’s technological advances allow for the development of unmanned aerial systems, fixed-wing aircraft, that are small enough and fly low enough to elude conventional radar detection. Such aircraft could carry out chemical, biological, or nuclear attacks, or they could be employed to smuggle drugs or illegal immigrants across the border. This chapter describes a low cost, low power (potentially disposable) methodology for performing key 24/ 7 sentry functions to protect critical civilian and military infrastructure from airborne threats. The methodology is based on joint multi-sensor exploitation technology by designing and developing a forward-based fence that contains a mix of various low cost, low power, netted sensors including a simple radar, acoustic microphones and optical (Infrared and visible) cameras to detect, track and discriminate potential airborne targets. An in-depth understanding of candidate target signature phenomenologies is developed through theoretical, numerical assessments and proof-of-concept field experiments. An integrated (over sensor modality) detection, tracking and discrimination process is developed which forms the basis of the fence’s friend/ foe sentry capability and ability to provide accurate/ timely intercept information. An experimental prototype end-toend proof of concept system with deployable software, hardware and connectivity has also been developed to perform the field demonstration.