A topic of current interest is the adaptation of artificial intelligence techniques to detecting signals in other spectral areas in high density environments where false alarms are as common and as signals of interest. Improvements discovered in NEWSTARS’s initial research in this area have been incorporated into a fielded system and have greatly reduced false alarms. The project has been particularly productive in allowing some student research to be classified. In those cases, the thesis is not published in the university library in typical manner. Only the title page and reference to the classified document locations are included. RAPCEval has produced over 30 scientific publications and reports specific to Electronic Combat. A number of classified theses have dealt with at least ten USAF fielded systems, including Radar Warning Receivers, Jammers, and Fire Control Radars.
l Applied Mechanics Mechanical Design Information Systems Reliability and Human Engineering Electronic Systems Applied Systems Logistics Services
Applied Systems Division © 1987-2012 Mercer Engineering Research Center 135 Osigian Blvd. • Warner Robins, GA 31088 info@merc-mercer.org • www.merc-mercer.org • 478.953.6800 A key topic that NEWSTARS has addressed is extensions to the RAD algorithm (a classified signal processing technique initiated at AFRL). Research in this area includes filter improvement, prime number trial factors, filter exploitation, and RAD hardware design analysis. NEWSTARS student research has also focused on signal processing in the communications arena. In particular, several theses have addressed error correction coding, most notably by using various aspects of Reed-Solomon error correction codes. Because of ever increasing sophistication, quantity, and mobility of deployed hostile radars, AAM's, SAM's, and AAA fire control systems, radar warning systems require constant upgrades to provide required operational capability for penetrating aircraft to ensure an acceptable level of survivability. Under the NEWSTARS project, MERC is supporting Air Force in-house laboratory facilities that evaluate new concepts and test new receivers, processors, and software. NEWSTARS (New Electronic Warfare Specialists Through Advanced Research by Students) The USAF has actively funded the RAPCEval/NEWSTARS project at MERC without interruption since 1991. Approved student thesis research includes projects iterated in the Statement of Work and other topics that are approved by the program’s Executive Steering Committee. The Committee is responsible for ensuring student research is of sufficient interest to the USAF and of high academic quality. Faculty and staff who comprise the Committee are from AFRL, WR-ALC, Mercer University, Wright State University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and MERC. Student proposals and research updates are presented to the Committee periodically throughout the year. In addition, highly synergistic discussions occur between all the various committee constituents.