Optimal loadout of the supply class (AOE 6) fast combat stores ship

Abstract

This analysis develops a methodology to determine the optimal loadout for the Supply (AOE-6) class fast combat stores ship. The methodology employed tests the ability of a Supply class AOE station ship to resupply and rearm a battle group for offensive operations, including combat. Given a generic scenario, the AOE-6 is loaded with ordnance that provides the maximum benefit to the battle group. Once the AOE-6 is loaded with ordnance, several generic battle groups are developed where the quantity of each necessary commodity in the battle group is tracked daily, and the consolidation schedule for the AOE-6 is determined. From this data, the optimization model finds the minimum number of CONSOLs required to maintain the minimum levels and consequently the optimal cargo fuel mix to configure the AOE-6 station ship. The output for each battle group composition is then analyzed and a cargo fuel mix for the AOE-6 is determined that will respond to the largest number of possible tasking with minimum reconfiguration of fuel tanks.