Operational Analysis and CONOPS Definition for Next Generation Mine Warfare

Abstract

This project conducted operational effectiveness analysis to inform future operational concepts for mining. It defined candidate operational concepts for mining operations with a focus on capabilities and associated design requirements. It developed architectural representations of mining operations to highlight the operational activities and systems associated with mining operations and define the system design decisions (e.g., platforms, manning) that contribute to the operational effectiveness of minefield deployment. The project developed and analyzed an agent-based simulation model using the Modeling and Simulation Toolbox (MAST) feature of the Orchestrated Simulation through Modeling (OSM) framework developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. The OSM MAST model was used to compare airborne, surface, and subsurface deployment strategies as well as the key performance drivers (in terms of operational activities, hostile behavior, and system design decisions) that drive operational effectiveness. Analysis demonstrated that hostile posture (defined in terms of enemy detection capability and probability to change course upon mine detection) had a larger impact on minefield effectiveness than any characteristics of the minefield, individual mine characteristics, or deployment vessel. Additional analysis was conducted on operational and design characteristics of deployed minefields which found that the quantity of the mines in the minefield had a larger impact than individual mine characteristics or deployment vessel. An isolated analysis of alternative deployment strategies found that, in general, airborne deployment vessels outperformed both surface and subsurface deployment strategies.