Mathematical Modeling of Air-to-Ground Target Acquisition

Abstract

Six principal models of air-to-ground target acquisition modeling and prediction are described in a common format and are compared in terms of structure, types of submodels, unique features, and evidence of validity. Sensitivity to variables is examined semi-quantitatively. Most of the models share certain features, such as (1) strong emphasis on purely optical elementsof target acquisition with corresponding neglect of cognitive factors, (2) reliance on laboratory data rather than field data for sources of submodels, and (3) limited evidence of overall validation. The implications of the characteristics of existing models for current applications and for possible future work are discussed.