Abstract
We consider the three standard Lanchester models of warfare (aimed-fire, unaimed-fire and asymmetric) with heterogeneous (mixed) forces on both sides. We begin by reviewing the homogeneous models, and then construct conserved quantities for the mixed models with separable kill-rates and random target allocation, commenting on the nature and allocation of unit types. Next we consider a more general semi-dynamical target allocation, construct a conserved quantity for the aimed-fire model and prove that the optimal strategy is to annihilate opposing unit types in succession. Finally, we make some comments on the optimal initial allocation of costed unit types in response to this. Journal of the Operational Research Society (2009) 60, 1421-1427. doi:10.1057/jors.2008.97 Published online 24 September 2008
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1421-1427 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Journal of the Operational Research Society |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| Early online date | 24 Sept 2008 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2009 |
Keywords
- military
- combat modelling
- Lanchester problem
- SQUARE-LAW
- EQUATIONS
- COMBAT