Analyzing the Critical Supply Chain For Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Abstract

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) play a vital role in present day operations due to their asset capability and ability to reduce risk to pilots lives. A complex supply chain network capable of producing and integrating all raw materials, components, sub-systems, and systems supports the successful acquisition of a UAS. Such a complex network is supported by vital supply chain decisions. Two important decisions regarding supply chain design include supplier selection and optimal flow of material and products. Whether a decision maker wishes to design or interdict a supply chain, the methodology developed in this thesis provides a suite of tailorable models to facilitate these vital decisions. Linear programming and generalized network flow models that incorporate goal programming are developed to integrate the decision makers priorities. In addition, a targeting matrix employing a House of Quality approach is developed to provide an interdiction planning team with a decision support tool that facilitates interdiction strategy planning. Overall, the different models developed in the study provide modeling flexibility. The incorporation of goal programming into supply chain network design and interdiction allows decision makers to effectively frame their supply chain decisions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 23, 2017
Accession Number
AD1051609

Entities

People

  • Megan L. Muniz

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Flow Network
  • Integer Programming
  • Linear Programming
  • Logistics
  • Mathematical Programming
  • Military Science
  • Operations Research
  • Supply Chain
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Operations Research
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs