Air Tasking Order (ATO) optimization model

Abstract

This thesis addresses a known deficiency of theater level wargames. The problem is the ability to produce a timely, flyable Air Tasking Order (ATO) that effectively uses assigned aircraft. Wargame pace and the lack of an effective planning tool prevented strike planning from being effectively implemented in the ATO. The model presented in this thesis offers a solution in the form of a computer based optimization model that produces ATO's. The model assigns strikes against all requested targets if there are sufficient assets, and it chooses which targets not to strike if assets are insufficient. The model decides which strike packages should be assigned against each target and which available launch sites should provide the assets required in the selected strike packages. The output is an ATO in which all assigned aircraft can reach their targets and are in fact available for tasking. This model solves in minutes on a personal computer and allows the pace of the wargame to be unconstrained by ATO production.