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This paper investigates the navigation accuracy achievable by fusing various combinations of sensors of differing modalities to be used in a next generation time-space position information (TSPI) system for the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC). These sensors include inertial, GPS, vehicle-mounted EO/IR cameras, barometric altimeter, laser ranging sensors (both airborne and ground located), ground-based tracking radars, and ground-based theodolites. Because the AFFTC's updated TSPI sensor package will be deployed at a test range located in the Mojave Desert, the aforementioned sensors can take advantage of environment specific factors to improve performance including a stable climate, limited precipitation, natural non-changing terrain features, artificial pre-surveyed landmarks, and the capability to install ground based sensors.

In order to perform this study, four key areas were addressed: investigation of sensors suitable for a next-generation TSPI system, modeling of those sensors, development of data simulation software, and a sensitivity analysis with various sensor combinations. A discussion of viable onboard and ground-based sensors and how they may be modeled and used to generate TSPI data is provided. Data generation software is explained including sensor deployment, generation of simulation measurements based on environmental constraints, and optical feature tracking. Results are presented in the form of a sensitivity analysis that specifies the expected accuracy and navigation performance of different sensing packages. The minimal TSPI sensor package capable of meeting accuracy requirements is identified.