>>528621743
>are merged on a Gen 5 to single unified display?
Sensor fusion from my understanding is more about the "fusion" of different sensors, like a thermal camera, visible spectrum, low IR night vision, RWR/MWS etc which can be combined into a single image and shown onto the HMCS (in the case of the F-35 allowing you to see through your plane etc. But it also applies to merging the data from different radar modes to create very precise ground radar images etc while also being able to process and share data gathered by other F-35s/awacs/EW suites etc with other members of the squadron.
Having an unified LAD is more about convenience and ease of use. (see how the M-346 has a LAD as well to train pilots but it doesn't have even half of those sensor fusion capabilities, it can only simulate them for training)
>Or does this just mean that the computer merges data from the radar, the IRST, datalink, etc. into a single track?
It's that and more, basically it's about getting all the data possible on your operational enviroment and filtering it for the pilot to give him the most SA possible without overloading him.
At least this is my understanding of it.