Optimization of Lightweight Torpedo Allocation
Abstract
When making torpedo loadout decisions, planners must consider the capacities and capabilities of different ASW units, a limited budget, and diverse adversary submarine fleets. Currently, loadout decisions for the Mk-54 lightweight torpedo are made manually, and without a systematic approach to deal with threat uncertainty. The thesis seeks to inform these decisions by using stochastic optimization to determine the type and quantity of torpedoes to loadout to U.S. surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters in order to face an uncertain submarine threat with a desired probability of kill. We develop two formulations of the Torpedo Allocation Stochastic Optimization Model (TASOM): TASOM-1, which minimizes the number of missed submarines; and TASOM-2, which minimizes the deviation below the probability of kill threshold. To show the value of the stochastic programming approach over the typical deterministic planning, we present a notional case designed to represent an operation where ASW units are patrolling an area for adversary submarines. We randomly generate 100 threat scenarios where the number and class of submarines deployed to the area vary. The TASOM-2 loadout notably outperforms the deterministic average loadout. Our models combined with an accessible user interface provide planners with a decision aid tool to conduct sensitivity analysis to guide torpedo allocation and budget decisions under uncertainty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1201036
Entities
People
- Violeta A. Lopez
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School