Fusion of IFF and radar reports for AEW applications

Previous papers (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001) have described a tracking approach which utilized a Combined Kalman Filter (CKF), adaptive tracking for maneuver tracking, the JVC association algorithm for association and Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) tracking for use in Airborne Early Warning (AEW) applications. In this paper we present our incorporation of IFF measurement data in addition to radar measurement data for tracking. First our previous AEW radar tracking approach is briefly reviewed as most of this approach is still utilized for the incorporation of IFF measurement data in addition to radar measurements. Then we describe IFF sensor data and how we modeled it. Our modifications of correlation and association to account for the different types of radar and IFF sensor data and different types of tracks, Radar, IFF, or Radar/IFF tracks. We then introduce the notion of a combined cost for association of IFF measurements to tracks. Finally we present simulation results showing results of just radar tracking, IFF tracking, and combined Radar/IFF tracking with performance Measures of Effectiveness, (MOE's).