Modeling MIRV Footprint Constraints in the Weapons Assignment Model

摘要

US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) is developing a new linear programming modelcalled the Weapons Assignment Model (WAM) to perform weapons assignment for the Strategic Integrated Operations Plan (SIOP). One of the major improvements WAM will have over its predecessor is the ability to include Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) footprinting constraints in the optimization process. Two techniques for modeling MIRV footprints were developed. The first, Geometric Approximation (GA), uses a carefully positioned and sized ellipse on the earth's surface to model the capabilities of a Post Boost Vehicle (PBV) to disperse MIRVs. Any combination of targets within the ellipse is considered to constitute a feasible targeting plan for a missile. The second model is called Energy Space Transformation (EST). This model scales the distance each MIRV is displaced from the missile aimpoint to account for the PBV energy required to maneuver for each MIRV. The sum of the maneuvering energy for each MIRV is used to calculate the fraction of the PBV energy required to strike a particular combination of targets. Any combination where the fraction is less than one is considered feasible. These two models were tested and verified using 120 missile sorties.