Exploring Architectures and Algorithms for the 5 JDL/DFS Levels of Fusion Required for Advanced Fighter Aircraft for the 21st Century
Ronald M. Yannone · 1999
A standard model for data fusion has been developed by the U.S. DOD Joint Directors of Laboratories/Data Fusion Subpanel (JDL/DFS). This panel was established in 1986 as a subpanel to the JDL Technical Panel for C3. The five levels of fusion are Sub-Object Data Association and Estimation: pixel/signal level data association and characterization at the sensor level (LO) Object Refinement (L1) Situation Refinement (L2) Significance Estimation or Threat Refinement (L3) and Process Refinement: adaptive search and processing; resource management (L4). The next-generation aircraft will be a multirole strike aircraft weapon system for the Navy, Air Force, Marines and U.S. allies and will encompass all five levels of fusion. We explore the viable fusion architectures and algorithms in the context of the JDL/DFS definitions that will be required for the aircraft to be successful.