Lanchester Attrition Processes and Theater-Level Combat Models.

Abstract

This paper is an expository survey of some aspects of the theory of Lanchester attrition processes and of applications of these processes in models of theater-level combat. Classical Lanchester differentials-including homogeneous and heterogeneous square and linear laws-are discussed. Underlying assumptions and mathematical forms of analogous continuous time, discrete state space Markov attrition processes are presented. A detailed treatment of a class of simplified ('binomial') attrition equations is given, including underlying assumptions, exact equations for expected attrition and exponential approximations to the exact equations. Applications of the binomial and Markov attrition processes as the basis for attrition calculations in the CONAF Evaluation Model, the IDAGAM I Model, the Lulejian-I Model and the VECTOR-2 Model (4 principal documented models of theater-level combat) are considered.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1981
Accession Number
ADA107934

Entities

People

  • Alan F. Karr

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Attrition
  • Detection
  • Differential Equations
  • Equations
  • Markov Processes
  • Mathematical Models
  • Models
  • Probability
  • Random Variables
  • Simulations
  • Stochastic Processes
  • Target Acquisition
  • Target Detection
  • Time Intervals
  • Warfare
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Mathematics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Naval Personnel Management
  • Statistical inference.

Technology Areas

  • Space