Use of Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis in the Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) Program

摘要

Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was an integral part of concept definition for the Marine Corps AAAV program. Three levels of trade studies were performed: (1) whole system trades, (2) subsystem/component trades, and (3) concept selection trades. Whole system trades determined the 'best' balance of AAAV 'core capability' performance requirements, cost, and weight. Subsystem/component level trades selected specific technologies to meet the performance requirements defined for each 'core capability' in the whole system trades. Concept selection trades were used to select the 'best' AAAV alternatives(s). Whole system trades began with a mission area analysis that included definition of threat, user/source requirements, and operational & organizational concept(s). Low, moderate, and high target performance levels were then identified for system 'core capabilities'. Using a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach, functional relationships between the 'core capability' target performance level requirements and combat effectiveness, cost, and weight were developed for use in a Multi Criteria Mathematical Programming (MCMP) model. The MCMP model was used to generate a set of non- dominated candidates that were then evaluated using MCDA to select the 'best' alternative(s) as defined by 'core capability' performance levels. Subsystem/ component trades were conducted based on the 'core capability' performance level requirements selected in the whole system trades. Each 'core capability's' level helped further expand/focus its technology search and evaluation criteria. The set of candidates, now defined by real technologies, was then evaluated using MCDA to select the 'best' AAAV alternative(s). This paper will describe the analysis process used for the AAAV whole system, subsystem/component, and concept selection trades.