N14A-T012 TITLE: Environmental Effects Radar Modeling For Training

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS505, Littoral Combat Ship Fleet Introduction and Sustainment Program Off

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted". The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop innovative real-time physics-based software that models environmental effects on shipboard radars for use in shore-based tactical trainers

DESCRIPTION: LCS Training includes a combination of classroom instruction, computer-based lessons, live and virtual simulations, and shipboard evolutions in port and, where appropriate, at sea. The goal is to bring the crew member as close as possible to final systems operator qualifications before operations, tasks, or missions aboard ship commence. Therefore, simulators take a prominent role in the LCS training construct and a high level of realism is essential. Simulated bridges can include all modern navigation technologies; simulate all types of navigation conditions, breakdowns, emergencies, maritime areas and maneuvering situations (Ref 1).

The LCS integrated bridge and combat systems tactical scenario training for sailors replicates the basic layout and design of the LCS command and control, propulsion control systems and a bridge that includes video screens. However the simulators are not capable of displaying radar clutter or other environmental effects. Moreover, a search has identified no existing simulators that provide that capability. Some examples of clutter are rainstorms, sea surface scatter, land, trees, mountains, and buildings. Clutter has a number of undesirable effects on radar�s operation. It obscures targets by overpowering the target�s signal and reduces the ability to detect targets of interest (Ref 2). Sailors must be able to step aboard the ship ready to stand the watch and carry out their duties with minimal onboard familiarization.

In order to increase the realism and effectiveness of training, an innovative software solution is required that models environmental effects into radar displays. This software shall; simulate the impact of environment effects (rain, snow, dust, sea state, etc.) on the radar display; simulate the impact of jamming on the radar display; simulate the impact of operator actions (adjustment of radar settings) on the radar display.

PHASE I: The company will develop a concept for modeling environmental effects that meet the requirements described above. The company will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs and will establish that the concept can be feasibly developed into a useful product for the Navy. Feasibility will be established by material testing and analytical modeling. The small business will provide a Phase II development plan must address technical risk reduction and provides performance goals and key technical milestones.

PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, the small business will develop a prototype for evaluation. The prototype will be evaluated to determine its capability in meeting the performance goals defined in Phase II development plan and the Navy requirements for modeling environmental effects. System performance will be demonstrated through prototype evaluation and modeling or analytical methods over the required range of parameters including numerous deployment cycles. Evaluation results will be used to refine the prototype into an initial design that will meet Navy requirements. The company will prepare a Phase III development plan to transition the technology to Navy use.

PHASE III: The company will be expected to support the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. The company will develop software for modeling environmental effects according to the Phase II development plan for evaluation to determine its effectiveness in an operationally relevant environment. The company will support the Navy for test and validation to certify and qualify the system for Navy use.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Effective crew training is critical to successful operations in the Navy and Coast Guard. A radar model that includes environmental effects would ensure proper training of crews in shore based simulators without the need for costly at-sea time on operational assets.

REFERENCES:
1. Barsan, Eugen. "Sea Service Equivalency for Full Mission Simulators Training", Maritime Transport & Navigation Journal, Vol. 1. Constanta Maritime University, 2009.

2. LeFurjah, George. "An Innovative Radar Clutter Model", Leading Edge, Volume 7, Issue 2, pg 8-19.