Operational performance analysis: “An integral part of all surveillance system design!”

The use of state-of-the-art acquisition and detection technologies has received considerable interest for a number of non-military as well as military applications. The application of simple but effective operational performance analytical tools can greatly enhance the understanding and acceptance of these state-of-the-art detection systems. In almost every case, UAVs, unmanned sensors, or remote sensing systems are employed to account for the lack of other assets, or to substitute for a preferred system. This paper addresses several of the more powerful applications of operations research techniques which can and should be used to improve operational performance assessments for any sensor or surveillance program. The scale and complexity of most surveillance requirements, coupled with the application of state-of-the-art sensor technology, demands application of cost performance analyses as well as frequent, if not routine, reassessment of overall performance. Operational analyses insure optimum (best) use of resources and/or assists in re-engineering to take advantage of emerging technologies. The dollar investment in sensor systems, aviation or groundbased surveillance platforms, and command, control, and communication systems demands effective decision support for system design and system operations. As defense and research budgets shrink, value-added assessments and analyses are required very early in the development process to reduce program risk and increase profitability