Aerial Search Optimization Model (ASOM) for UAVs in Special Operations

Abstract

We construct an optimization model that assists commanders, operators, and planners to effectively deploy and employ unmanned aerial vehicles "UAVs" in special operations missions. Specifically, we consider situations where targets "e.g., insurgents" operate in a region of interest and a small special operations team is assigned to search and detect these targets. The special operations team is equipped with short-range surveillance UAVs. We combine intelligence regarding the targets with availability and capability of UAVs in an integer linear programming model. The goal is to detect the largest possible number of targets with the given resources. The model prescribes optimal deployment locations for the ground units and optimal time-phased search areas for the UAVs. The model has been implemented successfully in four field experiments. Preliminary empirical evidence indicates that the model provides 50% increase in detection opportunities compared with a plan manually generated by experienced commanders.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 09, 2007
Accession Number
ADA486711

Entities

People

  • Johannes Ø. Røyset
  • Moshe Kress

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Availability
  • Case Studies
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Control Systems
  • Deployment
  • Detection
  • Integer Programming
  • Linear Programming
  • Operations Research
  • Optimization
  • Probability
  • Surveillance
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy
  • Autonomy - UAVs