A vehicle-target simulation model for network-centric joint air operations

Joint air operations (JAO) are traditionally orchestrated using static vehicle roles assigned from command and control. The central command and control model used by the Air Force cannot anticipate changes in the battlespace and take advantage of continuous information provided by the sensors in a network-centric environment. With recent advances in information and communication technology and the increased need for a dynamic and flexible response, vehicles are expected to assume multiple roles over the course of a mission. In this study, we develop a simulation model that considers four competing objectives (effort, effectiveness, efficiency, and connectivity) to assess vehicle-target allocation for network-centric JAO.