An information fusion demonstrator for tactical intelligence processing in network-based defense

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) has developed a concept demonstrator called the Information Fusion Demonstrator 2003 (IFD03) for demonstrating information fusion methodology suitable for a future Network Based Defense (NBD) C4ISR system. The focus of the demonstrator is on real-time tactical intelligence processing at the division level in a ground warfare scenario.The demonstrator integrates novel force aggregation, particle filtering, and sensor allocation methods to create, dynamically update, and maintain components of a tactical situation picture. This is achieved by fusing physically modelled and numerically simulated sensor reports from several different sensor types with realistic a priori information sampled from both a high-resolution terrain model and an enemy organizational and behavioral model. This represents a key step toward the goal of creating in real time a dynamic, high fidelity representation of a moving battalion-sized organization, based on sensor data as well as a priori intelligence and terrain information, employing fusion, tracking, aggregation, and resource allocation methods all built on well-founded theories of uncertainty.The motives behind this project, the fusion methods developed for the system, as well as its scenario model and simulator architecture are described. The main services of the demonstrator are discussed and early experience from using the system is shared.