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

摘要

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)