Incorporation of airborne target identification information within a multi-source integration interface of a modern combat fighter aircraft

In 1993, Multi Source Integration (MSI) was introduced into the F/A- 18 Hornet as part of Operational Flight Program (OFP) 91C. The new interface revolutionized airborne target information processing by aircraft mission computers and displays. As the number of identification (ID) capable sensors began to increase, the need for integration of ID information into MSI algorithms became apparent and an ID Working Group was commissioned to achieve that goal. The preliminary study had minimal success and the author was tasked to review initial results and offer possible solutions to the ID problem. The objectives of the ID Working Group were; to adapt common data processing methods to enable resolution of available ID sources with the Rules of Engagement (ROE), to design candidate implementations of effective ID interfaces within MSI using available aircraft computing power, and to select the most operationally effective implementation from those candidates for possible inclusion in a future OFP. Theater ROE was resolved with ID sources through programmability. Pilots were able to specify the ID sensors that Theater Commanders recognized as valid ID sources. All objectives were met and the resultant design was incorporated into OFP 150 for the F/A-18. The recommended design allows pilots to pre-program existing Rules of Engagement into the MSI interface. Identification information as well as ROE status is displayed on the aircraft's tactical displays. Pilot workload was demonstrated to be greatly reduced while situational awareness and combat effectiveness increased.