Kim Babcock reviewed a new sensor performance prediction tool, the Multi-Sensor Performance Prediction (MSPP) tool. Validated, user friendly and well documented, it fills the shortfall for data that cannot be obtained from field tests.

The user inputs to MSPP included the targets that are to be detected by radar sensors. For environmental representation, the user needs to input the weather, location and time. Search platforms (such as helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and patrol boats and cutters), sensor types (radar, infrared and night vision) and sensor mode are also inputs to the model.

Existing DoD prediction models are included in the suite. These include the Advanced Refractive Effects Prediction System (AREPS), which evaluates radar propagation, and Target Acquisition Weapons Software (TAWS), which models detection, classification and evaluation of such systems as night vision and infrared sensors. The outputs include sweep widths, lateral range curves, and instantaneous probability of detection plots. Current MSPP targets include Person In the Water (PIW) with and without a lifejacket, fishing vessels, speed vessels and steel-hulled fishing vessels among others. New targets include 31-foot cabin cruiser, improved PIW with flotation device and 22-foot sailer.

The Coast Guard can do quick comparisons of sensors and effects with the latest version of MSPP and the graphical user interface allows for multiple predictions. Because MSPP data is classified, there are plans are to change vessel names to numbers for operations in unclassified environments.