Capability Oriented Equipment Contribution Analysis in Temporal Combat Networks

Abstract

Modern military operations in high-tech information warfare settings are dynamic processes involving various types of combat systems connected via multiple channels, which can be abstracted as a type of complex temporal combat network (TCN). The equipment contribution analysis in TCNs is of significant military value for optimizing operation process planning and improving network resilience in complex electromagnetic battlefields. This paper presents an integrated framework called capability oriented equipment contribution analysis (CECA) to analyze key equipment in TCNs. Specifically, a temporal network model is proposed to characterize TCNs by considering their dynamic nature and the heterogeneity capabilities of different types of functional entities during military operations. Based on this model, an operation capability contribution index is proposed to measure the contribution of each piece of equipment involved in executing operational tasks. Finally, the reliability and effectiveness of the CECA are demonstrated based on a TCN case study. This paper provides a detailed and precise quantitative analysis of the equipment contributions in TCNs, which yields useful insights for operation guidance and designing a more resilient combat system-of-systems.