Target-Based Weapon Target Assignment Problems

Abstract

In this chapter we consider a class of non-linear assignment problems collectively referred to as Target-based Weapon Target Assignment (WTA). The Target-based Weapon Target Assignment problem considers optimally assigning M weapons to N targets so that the total expected damage to the targets is maximized. We use the term target-based to distinguish these problems from those that are asset-based, that is problems where weapons are assigned to targets such that the value of a group of assets is maximized supposing that the targets themselves are missiles engaging the assets. The asset-based problem is most pertinent to strategic ballistic missile defense problems whereas the target-based problems apply to offensive conventional warfare types of problems. Previous surveys of WTA problems were made by Matlin [Matlin, 1970] and Eckler and Burr [Eckler and Burr, 1972] the first on offensive, target based problems and the second primarily about defensive, asset based problems.