Differential-Game Examination of Optimal Time-Sequential Fire-Support Strategies
Abstract
Optimal time-sequential fire-support strategies are studied through a two-person zero-sum deterministic differential game with close-loop (or feedback) strategies. Lanchester-type equations of warfare are used in this work. In addition to the max-min principle, the theory of singular extremals is required to solve this prescribed-duration combat problem. The combat is between two heterogeneous forces, each composed of infantry and a supporting weapon system (artillery). In contrast to previous work reported in the literature, the attrition structure of the problem at hand leads to force-level-dependent optimal fire-support strategies with the attacker's optimal fire-support strategy requiring him to sometimes split his artillery fire between enemy infantry and artillery (counterbattery fire). A solution phenomenon not previously encountered in Lanchester-type differential games is that the adjoint variables may be discontinuous across a manifold of discontinuity for both players' strategies. This makes the synthesis of optimal strategies particularly difficult. Numerical examples are given.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033762
Entities
People
- James G. Taylor
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School