Enhancement of Army Operational Capabilities With the Use of NPOESS Data
Abstract
When compared with the current Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) system, the proposed National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) will provide superior spatial and parametric resolution for environmental parameters that are significant in Army operations. Two tactical decision aid models used by the Army, the Night vision goggles Operations Weather Software (NOWS) and the Target Acquisition Weapons Software (TAWS), where used to evaluate the degree of improvement that is possible in target acquisition predictions because of the enhanced accuracy of NPOESS measurements. Before performing this evaluation, we first identified the most significant parameters for selected night vision goggle and infrared low altitude sensors during a few environmental scenarios. We then examined the relative impact that several of these environmental parameters had on the detection range predictions from the NOWS and TAWS models during the selected scenarios. The most significant parameters were examined in detail to display the quantitative effect that the increased NPOESS resolution has on the uncertainty in NOWS/TWAS detection range estimates. We also examined the effect that delays in supplying an environmental input to NOWS or TAWS (data latency) have on the accuracy of detection range predictions. Then the improvement in allocation of search assets during adverse weather conditions, which resulted from the use of NPOESS-resolution data, was considered. Finally, new output quantities from TAWS that will be required as input to combat attrition models were identified for future implementation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA414750
Entities
People
- Barbara J. Sauter
- Richard C> Shirkey
- Sean G. O'brien
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory