1. Managing a Multi-Function Radar from an operational perspective
Fok Bolderheij (Capt. RNLN, PhD)
Netherlands Defence Academy

2. Contents RNLN requirements leading to MFR procurement
MFR Management Issues
Integration of Sensor Management into C2
Three Stage Sensor Management Concept
Use of Sensor Performance Models
Simulation Results

3. Evolving Threat Multiple Threats Environmental Conditions
Different Target Characteristics
Velocity
Manoeuvrability
Radar Cross Section
Altitude
Environmental Conditions
Meteorology
Geography
Oceanography
Electronic Counter Measures
SBS
SSS
RECCE
SOJ

4. Evolutional Design…..
Picture: courtesy Thales NNL

5. Solution : APAR MFR

6. Multifunctionality Search Functions Track Functions Weapon Control
Horizon Search
Short Range Horizon Search
Limited Volume Search
Cued Search
Helicopter Search
Track Functions
Surface Tracks
Air Tracks
Helicopter Tracks
Weapon Control
Surface gun fire control
Missile Guidance
Picture: courtesy Thales NNL

7. Time – Energy Budget Allocation of EM energy to specific MFR functions
Face 1 occupation
100%
Horizon search
Short range search
Limited volume search
Confirmation
Cued Search
Target designation
Air track
Weapon (target) track
Missile track
Missile Acquisition
Midcourse guidance
Terminal illumination 0%
time

8. MFR Management Issues
Allocation of the Time Energy Budget (TEB) : the EM energy available and the related time for surveillance, tracking and weapon control functions is only limited available  functions have to be prioritised
Operational restrictions like Rules of Engagement or Emission Control plans have to be taken in to account
Each function has to be optimised with respect to a specific task and the environmental conditions
Many degrees of Freedom: Complex Human Machine Interface

9. Sensor Management Operator Decisions :
when to use which sensor and sensor function for picture compilation or weapon control while taking into account:
Emission Control plans
Rules of Engagement
how to set a sensor for optimal results with respect to the mission objectives and meteorological/ geographical conditions

10. Sensor Management Context Diagram
Operator
Common
Operational
Picture
Mission
Related
Information
Sensor
Management
System
Sensor
Sensor
Settings C2
System
Sensor
Observations

11. Command and Control (I)
Picture
Compilation
Processes
Observe
Orient
Sensor
Operational
Picture
Decide
Act
Sensor
Management
Processes

12. Basic OP object attributes:
OP Object Properties
Basic OP object attributes:
state vector (position, velocity, acceleration)
type/class
identity ……
related uncertainties

13. Compilation of Virtual Objects:
Prior Information
Compilation of Virtual Objects:
Expected state vector (position, velocity, acceleration, direction, ….)
type/class
identity ……
Structured use of Intelligence

14. Command and Control (II)
Picture Compilation
Detect
Track
Classify
Identify
Fuse
Determine
Threat
Recognise
Intent
Estimate
Risk
Analyse
Behaviour
Mine
Data
Plans
Mission
Knowledge
Operational
Picture
System
Knowledge
Env.
Knowledge
Plan
Evaluate
Construct
Task
(Monitor)
Select
Resource
Control
Resource
Mission Management
Resource Management
Sensor
Weapon
C4I
Platform
Crew

15. Task Priorisation Dynamic Bayesian Network  Time slice 
Missile Killed
Target
Detected 1
Hard Kill
Missile
Destroyed
Range
Soft Kill
Missile In
Range
Crashed
Time
Able to
Launch
Intend to
Home
Intend to
Launch
Target
Detected 2
Conflict
Level
Missile
Missile
Missile
Missile in in
Homing
Detonated
Launcher
Flight
 Time slice 
 Time slice 
 Time slice 
 Time slice 

16. Sensor Management Three Sensor Management Stages :
Analyse the contents of the Operational Picture w.r.t. uncertainty, missing information  Construct Task
Determine which of the available sensors is the most appropriate  Select Sensor
Optimise the selected sensor for this task  Control Sensor

17. Required Knowledge Knowledge about the System Knowledge about the
Environment
Knowledge
about the
Target (Mission)

18. Sensor Performance Models
Knowledge about the system
Cone of Silence
Knowledge about the Target
No detection due to
multipath
Knowledge about the Environment
No detection due to
Radar horizon

19. Sensor Performance Analysis Performance Optimisation
Model Utilisation
Sensor Performance Analysis
Performance Optimisation
Sensor Selection Mechanism

20. Performance Visualisation

21. Simulation Orange Country y-pos (km) x-pos (km) SSM site 2 Carrier
(70,55)
SSM site 2
(80,115)
Carrier
(135,100)
x-pos (km)
y-pos (km) 25 50 75
100
125
150
ADCF
(90,0)

22. Function Selection and Budget Allocation

23. Summary Sensor Management has to be integrated in C2
The Operational Picture is the basis of Sensor Management
Not Functions, but Tasks are prioritised
Validated Performance Models required
Use of Environmental Information
Autonomous Adaptive Sensor Deployment is feasible