Strike package-target pairing real-time optimization for Airborne Battlespace Command and Control

Abstract

When an air strike is requested against a target, the desired result is rapid arrival of a strike package of appropriately armed aircraft to destroy the target. However, the current manual system used by airborne battle managers is outdated, resulting in a slower strike package delivery time. This primitive system requires the operator to pair strike packages to targets manually in real time. A system that improves the efficiency of the airborne battle managers in a highworkload environment would result in faster strike package-target pairing and tasking, and might result in better parings. We develop a model, RASP, that creates strike package-target pairings that best satisfy operational requirements as outlined in various joint publications and clarified by Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center subject matter experts. RASP minimizes data entry while replicating the decision processes that military operators use to decide strike package-target pairings. The starting point for this thesis is the RAPT-OR model, developed by Zacherl in 2006, a weapon-target pairing tool we adapt for use in a real-time tactical decision aid for airborne battle managers.