A Methodology for Determining the Optimum Mix of Escort and Strike Aircraft in a Tactical Strike Formation.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to develop a methodology to aid a decision maker in determining the optimum mix of escort and strike aircraft in a tactical strike formation. The research had four main objectives: (1) Analyze likely air combat between enemy fighter interceptors and offensive aircraft formation. (2) Develop a mathematical model of likely air combat, which could determine the expected outcomes as a function of decision variable--the force mix. (3) Develop a computer program for the model. (4) Provide guidelines for decision making regarding the force mix. An analysis of likely air combat between the interceptors and the offensive formation was conducted. To account for the effect of more than one interception, the number of aircraft in the offensive formation was modelled as a 'finite state Markov Chain' with transitions occurring as a result of combat engagements. A computer program was developed for the model, which can generate the required output date for a given force mix. for decision making regarding the force mix, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a methodology based on the Multiple Criteria Decision Theory, was considered the most suitable. (FR)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA195875

Entities

People

  • Muhammad Avais

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Classification
  • Computer Programs
  • Defense Systems
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Markov Chains
  • Markov Processes
  • Mathematical Models
  • Operations Research
  • Probability Distributions
  • Radar
  • Reliability
  • Terminal Defense
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Systems Analysis and Design