Intelligent sensor management for beyond visual range air-to-air combat

The design of an intelligent sensor management system has been completed as part of the US Air Force air-to-air attack management (A ³M) program. This system includes computer software and control/display concepts capable of being implemented in the fire control system of an advanced fighter aircraft. The A³M Sensor Manager provides coordinated adaptive control of the aircraft´s onboard sensors. The Sensor Manager enhances attack avionics capabilities by decreasing pilot workload, increasing pilot situation awareness, reducing redundant usage of sensors, exploiting sensor synergies, improving passive and low probability of intercept operations, and fully utilizing the agility and flexibility of the electronically steered antenna radar. Preliminary simulations studies of sensor management algorithms and concepts have shown significant promise. A discussion of the current status of the Sensor Manager is presented along with a look at future possibilities in intelligent sensor-management systems