13.1 Introduction

The measurement of radar signatures has been extensively discussed in this book so far. Although radar is a very powerful technique for providing high-quality signature data for recognising the target, and is generally more reliable than any other technique for beyond visual range identification, other available information can enhance the performance of the recognition function. This chapter discusses other available data and information, which can support and improve radar target recognition, and methods for combining it with radar signature data for maximising performance. These data fusion concepts are currently (in 2005) under development for operational systems and are not expected to be fielded for several years.

All the target recognition techniques presented in the previous chapters have almost exclusively been concerned with identifying the target using the attributes of the radar signature. Other measurements associated with the radar can also support the target recognition function and will be discussed in Section 13.2.

Only a single radar sensor has been discussed for recognising targets. Measurements from other radars can also provide useful information, which can improve the recognition performance. In addition, data from other sensors, such as optical, infrared and electronic surveillance receivers can be of considerable benefit in certain circumstances. Data from the IFF system can also be used as supporting information. Other available sensor data is discussed in Section 13.3.

Techniques for combining data from different sensors, which can be in a variety of locations, are based upon extending the Bayesian techniques, which were outlined in Chapter...