A sensor-independent sensor-oriented tracking architecture

A new architecture for multisensor integration in modern fighter aircraft is proposed. It satisfies a set of requirements concerning system resources, availability demands, usability and data quality. It is the only architecture which, to our knowledge, satisfies all the stated requirements. Though the main focus in this paper is placed on the qualitative aspects, both qualitative and quantitative requirements are discussed. Examples of quantitative requirements are optimal detection and tracking quality, target cueing facilities and communication resources. Examples of quantitative aspects are robustness in the aspect of sensor failure, sensor modularity, track initiation mechanism, track prioritization capability and operator interaction facilities.