A tutorial on the determination of single-weapon-system-type kill rates for use in Lanchester-type combat models
By: James G. Taylor
Contributors: Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1982
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 166
Subjects: Mathematical models; Tactics; Combat; War games; Games of strategy (Mathematics)
Description: This report is a tutorial on basic analytically-modelling methodology for the determination of single-weapon-system-type kill rates (i.e. so-called Lanchester attrition-rate coefficients) for use in operational Lanchester-type combat models. The purpose of the tutorial is to facilitate the intelligent use and adaptation of such Lanchester-type combat models to defense-planning problems. It emphasizes those aspects of the Lanchester theory of combat that have been useful for developing operational combat models. It focuses on how the combat-attrition process is conceptualized and on the delineation of the assumptions involved with using each particular attrition-rate-coefficient expression (i.e. model of a single-weapon-system-type kill rate). Enrichments in both the target-acquisition process and also the line-of-sight process are discussed in detail. Those aspects and methodologies that appear to be important for future enrichments (e.g. detailed modelling of command and control) are emphasized. Both homogeneous-force combat and also heterogeneous-force combat are considered, as well as attrition-rate coefficients for different weapon-system types. (Author)
Notes: "Final report for period Oct. 80-Aug. 82"

Title from cover.

"Prepared for: U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command; Fort Monroe, VA 23651"--Cover.

"August 1982"--Cover.

"NPS-55-82-021"--Cover.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 134-138).

"Approved for public release; distribution unlimited"--Cover.

Technical report; 1982.