Effective teaming of airborne and ground assets for surveillance and interdiction

Abstract

As Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) become more prevalent on the battlefield, ground forces will have to increasingly rely on them for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as target marking, and overwatch operations. The Situational Awareness for Surveillance and Interdiction Operations (SASIO) simulation analysis tool uses Design of Experiments (DOX) to study of aspects of UAV surveillance characteristics in conjunction with ground-based interdiction teams. The goal is to reduce the time required to intercept and capture targets of interest. Through screening analysis, significant factors can be determined to build a model that will provide a ground commander with insights to aid in the tactical employment of his assets. We will examine different teaming strategies and coordination measures between searching and interdicting assets in order to study the effectiveness of the interdictor possessing an organic, tracker UAV. The objective of this research is to quantify the benefit or penalty of an additional UAV asset that is organic to a quick reaction force, in the context of the overall surveillance and interdiction operation.