The Effect of Weapon Reliability and Maintainability on Artillery Force Availability.
Abstract
The overall effectiveness of an artillery force in a combat engagement is a function of many things; one of the most important is individual weapon availability. In order for an artillery unit to effectively support ground forces, it must be able to respond quickly and reliably to all calls for fires with the needed intensity of firepower. Of the many factors which determine the degree to which this task is accomplished, individual weapon availability plays a prominent role--the weapon must be in a mission-operable status. Weapon availability is in turn a function of weapon reliability and maintainability, including the logistic system. This study investigates the relative effects on artillery force availability resulting from variations in weapon system reliability and associated maintenance downtimes in a multiple-day, combat scenario. The Artillery Force Simulation Model (AFSM) was used as the primary analytical tool in generating the results of this analysis. The model simulates an artillery battle between a blue and red artillery force. Force and unit availability trends were developed in both 'realistic' (battle damage attrition submodel included) and 'idealistic' (attrition submodel excluded) combat situations based on various improvement levels in the reliability of the weapons and the responsiveness of the maintenance, logistic support. Simulations were made in an attempt to determine those areas, within the scope of each of these system parameters, where improvement would be most beneficial to overall force availability, hence effectiveness. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA037071
Entities
People
- Robert F. Chandler
Organizations
- United States Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity