High-Level Fusion using Bayesian Networks: Applications in Command and Control

In this paper, we discuss how Bayesian networks can be used to develop automated situation-assessment tools suitable for use as decision aids in a command and control system. Inevitably, the introduction of a new technology raises a number of validation, systems integration and human-factors questions. Those issues pertinent to Bayesian network decision aids are identified and their implications discussed. We then describe in detail the implementation of such a system capable of providing Combat-ID and Threat Assessment advisories in the naval anti-air warfare role and its assessment within a realistic (synthetic) human-in-the-loop experiment. We discuss the experimental system, the experimental design and protocol and the experimental results. In a controlled experiment using 14 subjects with relevant military experience we found that the Bayes ’ net decision aid system was preferred by the majority of the experimental subjects and led to a number of operator performance improvements which could directly contribute to improved operational effectiveness. Achieving shared situation awareness and self-synchronisation is a stated objective of Network Centric Warfare and its UK equivalent, Network Enabled Capability [1,2]. This requires networking of sensor