• Receives real-time targeting coordinates
  • Receives differential GPS (DGPS) corrections for improved accuracy
  • Receives targeting data updates
  • Performs all FAST and PSAG functions


THE PROBLEM

GPS/INS guided weapons have the kinetic ability to guide to a moving target, but they lack the capability to receive target location updates after being deployed.

THE SOLUTION

Mustang has developed the capability of adding Link-16 data link receive capability to the FAST radar with only a change to software and firmware and the addition of a single hardware module. This highly-capable radar is a proximity sensor that will also be able to receive Link-16 messages. This allows the weapon to receive new targeting coordinates, even after it is in flight, and allows for the GPS information to be improved through DGPS updates. This combination of improved GPS accuracy and in-flight target location updates improves the weapon’s capabilities.

THE APPROACH

Mustang’s FAST radar is a highly-capable, configurable software sensor that can receive Link-16 messages with nothing more than firmware and software changes and the addition of a single hardware module. Mustang has successfully added this functionality and demonstrated its suitability for enhanced weapon systems.

THE TECHNOLOGIES

Low-cost, high-performance radar; RF and digital electronics; real-time signal processing; advanced algorithms; guidance and control; efficient, low-cost tests.

This material is based upon work supported by the United States Air Force under Contract No. FA8651-04-C-0139. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the United States Air Force.