Locating Direction Finders in a Generalized Search and Rescue Network

摘要

A multiobjective linear programming approach is applied to the problem oflocating receiving stations and HFDF receivers in a search and rescue network in order to maximize the expected number of distress signals that are geolocated. The multiobjective formulation is made up of two contrasting objectives: one maximizes the expected accurate lines of bearing, and one minimizes the excess coverage in the network. The individual objectives are weighted and combined into a composite objective function. The resulting problem is expressed as a two-stage network flow problem and is solved using SAS LP with a limited number of binary variables. The problem is iteratively solved for several weightings of the composite objective function. The United States is building a worldwide network of search and rescue (SAR) stations for performing SAR over broad ocean areas. The objective of this network is to geolocate distress signals from aircraft and ships in order to initiate SAR missions.