SURFACE-TO-AIR GUIDED MISSILE SYSTEMS METHODS OF TACTICAL ANALYSIS

A tactical analysis is presented of surface-to-air missile systems. The purpose of this analysis is to provide a suitable quantitative measure of the effectiveness of a guided missile system in defending surface targets. Two problems arise at the outset, (1) the choice of a proper measure of effectiveness, and (2) the choice of a proper method of analysis i.e., means for getting from the characteristics of the air battle elements to the measure. The choice of a measure of effectiveness is considered in some detail. It must depend upon kill probability, firepower, and coordination of fire. By kill probability is meant the probability that, once undertaken, an engagement of a target will result in damage to that target. By firepower is meant the number of target engagements the defense is capable of during the attack. By coordination of fire is meant the degree to which overkilling of targets, with consequent waste of missiles and firing time, is avoided. Each of these three is treated at length, and the characteristics of a surface-to-air guided missile system are described.