A Method for Evaluation of Defensive Weapon Delivery Systems

A procedure is given for the application of a measure of value of radar and defensive weapon control systems. Value, as distinguished from performance, is defined herein as the sum of the weighted integrals of a system's cumulative probability of detection, per unit cost, with respect to detection range over an appropriate interval. The problem boundaries are established as the minimum required detection range and the maximum usable detection range, subject to a restriction on the minimum performance acceptable. An orderly array of such parameters as aspect angle, closing rate, target size, and scan limits is given as a spectrum of conditions of use. The result is a table of the value function which serves to relate what is needed from an electronic system to what is provided by the system. The method is illustraed in a specific example. By permitting a coherent treatment of the entire set of factors which characterize a system and the environment in which it operates, the procedure is a decision-making aid for rejection of systems which give inadequate performance and evaluation of those which are found adequate.