Modeling MIRV Footprint Constraints in the Weapons Assignment Model.

US Strategic Command USSTRATCOM is developing a new linear programming model called 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. In order to include MIRV footprint constraints in WAM, a methodology is needed to model the MIRV footprints in a manner that is consistent with the limitations of linear programming Two techniques for modeling MIRV footprints were developed. The first, Geometric Approximation GA, uses a carefully positioned and sized ellipse on the earths 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. Both models were approximately 85 percent accurate.