Trends in Tactical Aircraft Multi Sensor Correlation

This paper presents a simplified overview of the subject of TACAIR MSC. A definition for MSC is presented, which focuses on the purpose of MSC. A key in the author's definition is that MSC is not more data, but rather improved quality and timely presentation of relevant data for the purpose of crew situation awareness. A brief overview of TACAIR sensor systems follows to highlight the type of information these sensors could contribute to an MSC algorithm to be electronically processed and correlated. Next, representative needs for MSC are reviewed based on the author's perception of emerging operational considerations and selected advanced technologies. The paper concludes with a discussion of a design approach aimed at a single TACAIR MSC system which consists of: sensors and interface electronics, the cockpit displays and controls and MSC algorithms. These would be designed to a single MSC system performance specification, much the same as airframes are designed to a single aircraft performance specification.