2011 Annual Report - MIT Lincoln Laboratory

LEADERSHIP
Sensor window for
3D ladar inside aircraft
Dr. Robert T-I. Shin Dr. Robert G. Atkins Mr. Robert A. Bond Dr. Curtis W. Davis III Dr. James Ward Dr. William D. Ross
sensor data. This work includes advanced
moving target tracking algorithms, machine
learning of vehicle behavior patterns, and
automated detection of anomalous activity.
This activity-based analytics software
was shown to be useful in increasing the
throughput of ISR analysts. The initial
version was transitioned to government
users, and research is continuing.
■ The Laboratory developed and tested
an adaptive-data-rate, medium-range
(100 m–1 km) RF data link that supports
data rates from 1 Mb/s up to 1.9 Gb/s.
This system uses advanced multiple-input,
multiple-output techniques and very-highperformance
adaptive space-time coding.
The system sets new standards for non-lineof-sight,
low-power communication links
and enables efficient data exchange among
ground-based distributed ISR systems.
Height (m)
30
21
12
The 3D imagery of the Space Shuttle Explorer at the Kennedy Space Center complex in Florida was created from
data acquired by the Airborne Ladar Imaging Research Testbed (ALIRT) system, shown at left.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
■ Increasing national investment is expected for developing and fielding improved
systems for irregular and conventional warfare. As next-generation, wide-area, highresolution
sensors proliferate, additional emphasis will be on improved architectures
for processing, exploitation, and dissemination. The ISR program is expected to
continue to develop automated exploitation techniques and data-mining software
tools for single- and multi-source ISR data. The Laboratory anticipates research and
development to address difficult target sets for which improved sensing capabilities
are needed: individuals in urban areas, targets under foliage, quiet submarines under
the sea, and deeply buried facilities.
■ There will be increased opportunity for synergy between the ISR Systems and
Technology and the Cyber Security mission areas. Many ISR data exploitation
techniques for threat network detection, as well as their required high-performance
computing technologies, have direct application to cyber security problems such as
cyber situational awareness. As the computing capability of smartphones and the
wireless networking of laptop computers evolve, the ISR Systems and Technology
mission will need to develop advanced capabilities to keep pace with this evolution.
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