An Econometric Study of Aerial Interdiction in Southern Laos, 10 October 1970-30 June 1971.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the use of air power in the interdiction campaign in southern Laos. Basic tools of economic analysis are used to evaluate the effectiveness of air resources employed in the Steel Tiger operating area. The primary objective of the campaign--to reduce the amount of enemy supplies reaching South Vietnam and Cambodia--is used as the basic measure of strike sortie effectiveness. Southeast Asia variable cost factors are derived and used in conjunction with production functions estimated by the technique of regression analysis to derive optimal cost-effective sortie allocations. These allocations highlight the role of the gunship team in the interdiction effort and indicate fewer strike sorties against the enemy road network could have been flown to achieve the same level of effectiveness. Given the strike resources available, however, the variable cost of tactical air sorties actually flown was within five percent of the estimated least-cost optimum.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA046206
Entities
People
- Gregory G. Hildebrandt
- Herman L. Gilster
- Richard D. Duckworth
Organizations
- United States Air Force Academy