In search of military unit formations G-string models

Abstract

This report provides a way of quickly calculating a measure of what a sensor-equipped platform (e.g., JSTARS or a RPV/UAV) "sees" when it flies across a region containing a large (e.g., brigade-sized) unit. Such observations form the basis for inferring the size and type of the unit, or units. Calculations are in terms of: (1) a convenient parametric model for the spatial arrangement and concentration of an entire unit, the effective size of target items within that unit and their disposition, the sensor's field of view and glance rate, and the speed and course of the sensor-equipped platform's travels across the region containing elements of the large force. Alternatively, calculations are made when; (2) single target items are distributed in any manner in the region, (3) a sensor-bearing platform wanders in accordance with a random walk; and (4) combinations of the above.