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Articles 781 - 810 of 1284

Full-Text Articles in Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering

A Qualitative Study Of Industry And Air Force Commodity Council Processes, Robert J. Irvine Mar 2005

A Qualitative Study Of Industry And Air Force Commodity Council Processes, Robert J. Irvine

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to compare industry and Air Force commodity council processes. More specifically, this research used a survey to gather strategic sourcing philosophies and procedures (with respect to small business participation in procurement strategies) from successful industry firms. Industry source selection documentation, applicable government contracting guidelines, and a literature review of strategic sourcing materials were also reviewed. The current Air Force commodity council process and associated historical documents were then studied using a business process modeling tool. It was determined that the Air Force process differs from industry in how small business participation is addressed, the …

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A Systems Architectural Model For Man-Packable/Operable Intelligence, Surveillance, And Reconnaissance Mini/Micro Aerial Vehicles, Cory A. Cooper, Matthew L. Ewoldt, Steaven A. Meyer, Edward W. Talley Mar 2005

A Systems Architectural Model For Man-Packable/Operable Intelligence, Surveillance, And Reconnaissance Mini/Micro Aerial Vehicles, Cory A. Cooper, Matthew L. Ewoldt, Steaven A. Meyer, Edward W. Talley

Theses and Dissertations

With the increase in both technology push and operational pull of mini/micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) within DoD organizations, an understanding of their interactions and capabilities is necessary. Many MAVs have already been developed for a specific usage and much speculation has been made on their future uses. Despite the growth of MAVs, there is currently no overarching systems architecture which would envelop and guide the DoD's MAV development efforts. The goal of this thesis is to apply sound systems engineering principals to develop a MAV architectural model describing their use in three separate but closely related mission areas: Over-the-Hill-Reconnaissance, Battle …

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Decision Analysis Using Value-Focused Thinking For Infrastructure Prioritization, Mona A. Tenorio Mar 2005

Decision Analysis Using Value-Focused Thinking For Infrastructure Prioritization, Mona A. Tenorio

Theses and Dissertations

Infrastructure systems and facilities have deteriorated due to the impact of limited defense funding and competing priorities within the Air Force. The current method used for infrastructure prioritization is influenced by political sensitivity and uncertainty regarding the consequences of various funding decisions. Senior leaders need to better understand how their funding decisions will impact the overall condition and service life of the installation's infrastructure systems and facilities. The purpose of this research was to improve the method of prioritizing infrastructure projects through the use of a decision analysis methodology known as Value-Focused Thinking. The value model was created based on …

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Air Force Jp-8 Fuel Distribution System: A Statistical Analysis To Determine Where And When To Sample, Eric J. Heath Mar 2005

Air Force Jp-8 Fuel Distribution System: A Statistical Analysis To Determine Where And When To Sample, Eric J. Heath

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force Petroleum Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio collects JP-8 sampling data, but this data doesn't undergo analysis to determine the health of the base-level JP-8 fuel distribution system. Commanders possess no known confidence level when assessing base-level fuel health. Therefore, the objective of this research is to assess Air Force base-level fuel sampling data to determine the base-level sampling point that ensures a quality and healthy product at the aircraft. Also, this research seeks to identify how often correlation sampling should take place. Sample test pass rates are analyzed from three locations, receipt, storage, and vehicles/aircraft, …

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Modeling And Analysis Of Clandestine Networks, Clinton R. Clark Mar 2005

Modeling And Analysis Of Clandestine Networks, Clinton R. Clark

Theses and Dissertations

Since Sept. 11, 2001, there has been great interest in the military and intelligence communities in using Social Network Analysis (SNA) to support the disruption and destruction of global terrorist networks. SNA results, however, tend to be descriptive and are limited due to the lack of advantageous properties of the relationship measures applied to the arcs in a social network. Further, SNA techniques generally focus on a single network context while real relationships are based in multiple contexts. This thesis develops a new proxy measure of pair-wise potential influence between members of a network, a Holistic Interpersonal Influence Measure (HIIM). …

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An Investigation Of The Effects Of Correlation And Autocorrelation In Classifier Fusion With Non-Declarations, Frank M. Mindrup Mar 2005

An Investigation Of The Effects Of Correlation And Autocorrelation In Classifier Fusion With Non-Declarations, Frank M. Mindrup

Theses and Dissertations

Air Force doctrine requires reliable and accurate information when striking targets. Further, this doctrine states that fusion should be utilized whenever possible to ensure the best possible information is conveyed; there is no specific guidance as to how to fuse this information. This thesis extends the research found in Leap, Bauer, and Oxley (2004) to include a non-declared class. The Identification system operating characteristic (ISOC) was adapted to allow for non-declarations both at the individual sensor level as well as the fused output level. A probabilistic neural network (PNN) was also used as a fusion technique. A cost function was …

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Exploratory Inquiry: Disparate Air Force Base Area Network Architectures, Charlie W. Boyd Jr. Mar 2005

Exploratory Inquiry: Disparate Air Force Base Area Network Architectures, Charlie W. Boyd Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Joint Vision 2020, the Department of Defense (DoD) blueprint for development and transformation, identifies information and technology as critical enablers for our nation's military and calls for the development of a joint force capable of integrated information sharing to provide decision superiority, the ability to make and implement better decisions before enemies can react (DoD, 2000). Networks have been identified as the single most important element for transforming our current military forces. Ironically, Air Force base-level communications networks have been identified as a weakness. This research follows the qualitative approach to increases the current understanding of base level communications networks …

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Status Of Department Of Defense Architecture Framework (Dodaf) Implementation Within The Aeronautical Systems Center (Asc), Chad A. Millette Mar 2005

Status Of Department Of Defense Architecture Framework (Dodaf) Implementation Within The Aeronautical Systems Center (Asc), Chad A. Millette

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the current status of the use of the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF) systems architecture products within the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) program offices. There are regulatory requirements dictating the creation of DoDAF products as annexes to programmatic documentation, such as the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS) requirement for systems architectures as annexes for acquisition milestone decision documentation. In addition, the DoDAF itself identifies several products as being highly applicable for the development of acquisition strategies. This thesis investigated the use of systems architectures, and particularly DoDAF products, within the …

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Minimizing Security Forces Response Times Through The Use Of Facility Location Methodologies, Michael C. Dawson Mar 2005

Minimizing Security Forces Response Times Through The Use Of Facility Location Methodologies, Michael C. Dawson

Theses and Dissertations

Since the events of September 11, 2001, security for the nation's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile force has become a prominent concern for personnel in the highest levels of government. This has resulted in many physical security upgrades and new methods to counter hostile activities. This research seeks to find the optimal placement for one layer of the security net protecting these crucial assets, the daily-deployed security forces Fire Teams. The problem of finding the optimal placement for these forces is modeled as a facility location problem. Three of the methods of locating facilities available in the literature are selected to solve …

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A Multiple-Case Analysis Of Lean Six Sigma Deployment And Implementation Strategies, Peter M. O'Rourke Mar 2005

A Multiple-Case Analysis Of Lean Six Sigma Deployment And Implementation Strategies, Peter M. O'Rourke

Theses and Dissertations

Lean and Six Sigma are recent developments in continuous improvement methodology that have been popularized by several high-profile companies. The success and complementary nature of these methodologies has led to their combination into a single methodology, commonly called Lean Six Sigma or Lean Sigma. Although there is considerable literature available and many consultants involved with Lean Six Sigma, very little published research addresses the practical experiences of companies that have implemented Lean Six Sigma. The research question for this research is: How and why are certain private sector implementations of Lean Six Sigma successful or unsuccessful? The investigative questions further …

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Decision Analysis Using Value-Focused Thinking To Select Renewable Alternative Fuels, Eric A. Queddeng Mar 2005

Decision Analysis Using Value-Focused Thinking To Select Renewable Alternative Fuels, Eric A. Queddeng

Theses and Dissertations

The United States relies on imported oil as a result of domestic petroleum consumption rates greatly exceeding production rates. Alternative fuels are a major force in the effort to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation industry. The transportation industry also accounts for 1/3 of all greenhouse gas emissions and nearly half of all cancers attributed to outdoor sources of pollutants. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of renewable alternative fuels and associated blends (ethanol, methanol, 100% biodiesel (B100), 20% biodiesel (B20) and e-diesel) compared to non-renewable alternative fuels (compressed natural gas and propane) …

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Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai Mar 2005

Assessing The Usefulness Of The Decision Framework For Identifying And Selecting Knowledge Management Projects, Kevin G. Budai

Theses and Dissertations

Knowledge management (KM) is becoming recognized as a valuable tool for the Department of Defense (DoD) in its effort to maintain a competitive, strategic advantage against its enemies in a new threat environment. Decision superiority is the ultimate end result and is only possible through the effective and efficient use of its chief key resource--knowledge. As the Air Force seeks to transform the way it does business the concept of knowledge management has made its way to the forefront of both the Air Force's Information Strategy and Information Resource Flight Plan. This research assesses the usefulness of a knowledge management …

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Passwords: A Survey On Usage And Policy, Kurt W. Martinson Mar 2005

Passwords: A Survey On Usage And Policy, Kurt W. Martinson

Theses and Dissertations

Computer password use is on the rise. Passwords have become one of the primary authentication methods used today. It is because of their high use that organizations have started to place parameters on passwords. Are password restrictions a nuisance? What are some of the consequences that result as organizations place the burden of their computer security on passwords? This thesis analyzes the results of a survey instrument that was used to determine if individuals are using similar techniques or patterns when choosing or remembering their passwords. It also looks at how individuals feel about using passwords. In addition, the authors …

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Project Portfolio Management: An Investigation Of One Air Force Product Center, Bryan D. Edmunds Mar 2005

Project Portfolio Management: An Investigation Of One Air Force Product Center, Bryan D. Edmunds

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last two decades, reducing product development times in the DoD has been the focus of many committees, commissions, and research efforts. Despite the implementation of numerous recommendations, the DoD still struggles with long acquisition cycle times. This research is part of the Air Force Cycle Time Reduction Research Program (CTRRP), which grew out of the Cycle Time Reduction Action Plan, developed in 1998. This research focuses on the portfolio management (project selection and resource allocation) part of the CTRRP. The purpose of this research effort was to investigate the use of portfolio management within the Air Force. Specifically, …

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Performance Based Service Acquisition: A Quantitative Evaluation Of Implementation Goals And Performance In The United States Air Force, Dylan D. Pope Mar 2005

Performance Based Service Acquisition: A Quantitative Evaluation Of Implementation Goals And Performance In The United States Air Force, Dylan D. Pope

Theses and Dissertations

In an attempt to maximize cost savings in the rapidly growing services sector, the DoD established a Performance Based Service Acquisition (PBSA) strategy that focuses on evaluating contractor performance based on their ability to meet desired outcomes rather than the means to which the outcomes are obtained. In April 2000, Dr. Gansler, then Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, mandated that 50 percent of all eligible service acquisitions be awarded using PBSA methods by FY 2005. Since then very little research has been focused on USAF implementation of PBSA and the progress and attainment of the PBSA …

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An Analysis Into The Effectiveness Of Aircraft Maintenance Under The Combat Wing Structure, Derrick R. Barthol Mar 2005

An Analysis Into The Effectiveness Of Aircraft Maintenance Under The Combat Wing Structure, Derrick R. Barthol

Theses and Dissertations

Organizational structure builds the foundation from which organizations operate. To gain full potential of structural efficiencies in the current operating environment, public and private firms are continually modifying their organizational structure. The U.S. Air Force is no different and underwent its most recent reorganization in the fall of 2002 replacing the post-Gulf War format of the previous decade. Air Force leadership needs to understand how well the current structure is performing at achieving its intended objectives. This research investigates the effectiveness of the recent change to Air Force organizational structure on aircraft maintenance performance through an analysis of aircraft maintenance …

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Output Analysis And Comparison Of Deployment Models With Varying Fidelity, Matthew M. Gill Mar 2005

Output Analysis And Comparison Of Deployment Models With Varying Fidelity, Matthew M. Gill

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the changes in insights that result from using different types of models to assess the capability of deploying the Stryker Brigade within specific timeline goals. The thesis uses as its primary base a study conducted in 2002 by USTRANSCOM to evaluate the ability of Stryker to meet stated deployment timeline goals. Specifically, the author compares the outputs from four different models as they change over three different deployment scenarios and 10 different routes. The study investigates the relationships among the outputs of spreadsheet models, spreadsheet models with elements of variability added, and low- and high-level discrete-event simulations. …

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A Knowledge Matrix Modeling Of The Intelligence Cycle, Kevin J. Whaley Mar 2005

A Knowledge Matrix Modeling Of The Intelligence Cycle, Kevin J. Whaley

Theses and Dissertations

This effort models information flow through the United States Intelligence Community's Intelligence Cycle using a knowledge matrix methodology. The knowledge matrix methodology takes explicit data from multiple sources and fuses that data to measure a current level of knowledge about a target, or situation. Knowledge matrices are used to develop a measure of user-needs satisfaction. User-needs satisfaction compares requested levels of knowledge to a probability of collecting that knowledge within a designated timeframe. This effort expands the work done by Captain Carl Pawling in his March 2004 thesis, Modeling and Simulation of the Military Intelligence Process, by modeling intelligence as …

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Developing New Multidimensional Knapsack Heuristics Based On Empirical Analysis Of Legacy Heuristics, Yong Kun Cho Mar 2005

Developing New Multidimensional Knapsack Heuristics Based On Empirical Analysis Of Legacy Heuristics, Yong Kun Cho

Theses and Dissertations

The multidimensional knapsack problem (MKP) has been used to model a variety of practical optimization and decision-making applications. Due to its combinatorial nature, heuristics are often employed to quickly find good solutions to MKPs. While there have been a variety of heuristics proposed for the MKP, and a plethora of empirical studies comparing the performance of these heuristics, little has been done to garner a deeper understanding of heuristic performance as a function of problem structure. This dissertation presents a research methodology, empirical and theoretical results explicitly aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of heuristic procedural performance as a function …

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Executable Architectures And Their Application To A Geographically Distributed Air Operations Center, Robert J. Beal, Jeremy P. Hendrix, Garth P. Mcmurray, William C. Stewart Mar 2005

Executable Architectures And Their Application To A Geographically Distributed Air Operations Center, Robert J. Beal, Jeremy P. Hendrix, Garth P. Mcmurray, William C. Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

Integrated Architectures and Network Centric Warfare represent two central concepts in the Department of Defense's (DoD) on-going transformation. The true power of integrated architectures is brought to bear when they are combined with simulation to move beyond a static representation and create an executable architecture. This architecture can then be used to experiment with system configurations and parameter values to guide employment decisions. The process of developing and utilizing an executable architecture will be employed to assess an Air Operations Center (AOC). This thesis applies and expands upon the methodology of Dr. Alexander Levis, former Chief Scientist of the Air …

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Comparing Management Approaches For Automatic Test Systems: A Strategic Missile Case Study, William C. Ford Mar 2005

Comparing Management Approaches For Automatic Test Systems: A Strategic Missile Case Study, William C. Ford

Theses and Dissertations

From 1980 to 1992, the DoD spent over $50 billion acquiring Automatic Test Systems (ATS) used to test weapon systems. At that time, procuring unique ATS to support single weapon systems was the norm. In 1994, the DoD made a dramatic change to their ATS acquisition policy; common ATS that supported multiple weapon systems was preferred over ATS tailored to support a single weapon system. Expected benefits of this new policy included: more reliable equipment, increased supportability, decreased cost, smaller logistics footprint, and decreased manning. To date, the common ATS initiative has garnered little support AF-wide due to lack of …

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An Approach For Optimizing The On-Orbit Servicing Architecture For The Space-Based Radar Constellation, Michael L. Mcconnell Mar 2005

An Approach For Optimizing The On-Orbit Servicing Architecture For The Space-Based Radar Constellation, Michael L. Mcconnell

Theses and Dissertations

Satellite systems, once operational, are essentially a consumable item with no capacity to maintain, repair, or upgrade them while on-orbit. In order to avoid having to replace costly space assets, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) are looking to developing programs to provide an on-orbit servicing capability for future satellite systems under development, such as the Space-Based Radar (SBR) system. DARPA and AFSPC are studying on-orbit servicing using the Orbital Express platform as part of an Analysis of Alternatives for the SBR program. Like their satellite clients, on-orbit servicing assets are expected to …

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Determining Pacaf Transportation Alternatives To The General Purpose Vehicle, Andrew H. Pate Mar 2005

Determining Pacaf Transportation Alternatives To The General Purpose Vehicle, Andrew H. Pate

Theses and Dissertations

Vehicle fleets under gird the mission of Air Force bases. Under funding for vehicle replacement requirements raised concerns and has led to purchasing alternative vehicles classified as equipment items to supplement budget shortfalls. In order to effectively use funds and meet mission requirements, Pacific Air Force (PACAF) commanders need an adjustable multifactor decision tool that will allow them to make an informed purchasing decision from among appropriately classified equipment item vehicles. This research will discuss existing regulatory restrictions to alternative transportation purchases, consider available alternative vehicles, and determine the attributes important to vehicle purchases. A review of current Air Force …

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Optimal Maintenance For Stochastically Degrading Satellite Constellations, Timothy J. Cook Mar 2005

Optimal Maintenance For Stochastically Degrading Satellite Constellations, Timothy J. Cook

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops a methodology to determine an optimal policy for maintaining a satellite constellation that degrades over time. Previous work has developed a methodology to compute an optimal replacement policy for a satellite constellation in which satellites were viewed as binary entities, either operational or failed. This research extends the previous models by developing an optimal maintenance policy for satellite constellations in which each satellite may operate in a finite number of degraded states. The constellation is assumed to consist of a finite number of satellites, each with a finite number of functions with distinct failure mechanisms. Assuming each …

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Strategic Airlift En Route Analysis And Considerations To Support The Global War On Terrorism, Michael C. Sere Mar 2005

Strategic Airlift En Route Analysis And Considerations To Support The Global War On Terrorism, Michael C. Sere

Theses and Dissertations

The Global War on Terrorism has mandated the need for additional global en route airfields. En route airfields consist of bases that are strategically located at intermediate locations between the Continental United States and the intended theater of operations. These airfields serve as refueling, crew staging, or maintenance stops for strategic airlift aircraft flying transoceanic routes. The focus of this study is to examine concepts to meet this need and to address important aspects that should be considered in devising new en route strategies. Based on various important factors associated with potential en route airfields, a goal programming methodology was …

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An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Environmental Management And Environmental Compliance At Marine Corps Installations, Bevin J. Keen Mar 2005

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Environmental Management And Environmental Compliance At Marine Corps Installations, Bevin J. Keen

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental compliance on military is challenging for a number of reasons, including the complexity of regulations, and the variety of operations which impact the environment. At times, public concerns and penalties stemming from environmental issues has infringed upon the United States Marine Corps' (USMC) ability to use all installation resources without restriction. This thesis examines which facets of environmental management are closely associated with high levels of compliance. Five variables of interest: Total Compliance, Total Management, Audit Management, Policy Management, and Training Management were isolated from 1998-2004 USMC environmental audit data, and subjected to statistical analysis. Through the examination of …

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Barriers To Electronic Records Management (Erm): An Exploratory Case Study Investigating Erm In The Deployed Environment During Operations Enduring Freedom And Iraqi Freedom, Brian G. Hobbs Mar 2005

Barriers To Electronic Records Management (Erm): An Exploratory Case Study Investigating Erm In The Deployed Environment During Operations Enduring Freedom And Iraqi Freedom, Brian G. Hobbs

Theses and Dissertations

Corporate and government organizations can use electronic records as an important strategic resource, if the records are managed properly. In addition to meeting legal requirements, electronic records can play a vital role in the management and operation of an organization's activities. Corporate America is facing challenges in managing electronic records, and so too is the U.S. Air Force (USAF). The deployed environment is particularly problematic for electronic records management (ERM). This research, thus, investigates ERM in the deployed environment to identify and characterize the barriers faced by USAF personnel who deployed to locations supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. …

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Effectively Managing The Air Force Enterprise Architecture, Jamie P. Sharkey Mar 2005

Effectively Managing The Air Force Enterprise Architecture, Jamie P. Sharkey

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force is developing and implementing an enterprise architecture to meet the Clinger-Cohen Act's requirement that all federal agencies use an architecture to guide their information technology (IT) investments. However, this act does not provide guidance on how to effectively manage an enterprise architecture. Prior research applied maturity models and competency stages to manage an enterprise architecture by defining layers of enterprise architecture management maturity. However, these efforts tend to view enterprise architecture development as a one-time planning process rather than an iterative progression. Enterprise architecture is not a one-time exercise, but rather it is an on-going effort within …

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The Feasibility Of The U.S. Air Force Mandating The Exclusive Use And Purchase Of Forest Stewardship Council Certified Wood And Paper Containing 100% Post Consumer Content, Silinda Johnson Mar 2005

The Feasibility Of The U.S. Air Force Mandating The Exclusive Use And Purchase Of Forest Stewardship Council Certified Wood And Paper Containing 100% Post Consumer Content, Silinda Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act required federal agencies to purchase products with the highest recovered content (or post-consumer content in the case of paper) as practicable. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy required all executive agencies to give preference in their procurement programs to products that conserve natural resources and protect the environment. These requirements necessitate that the Air Force consider purchasing 100% post-consumer content (PCC) paper and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood because of their environmentally preferable attributes. This study compared the availability, performance standards, and prices of 100% PCC paper to 30% PCC paper and FSC-certified …

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Decision Factors For Cooperative Multiple Warhead Uav Target Classification And Attack With Control Applications, Douglas D. Decker Oct 2004

Decision Factors For Cooperative Multiple Warhead Uav Target Classification And Attack With Control Applications, Douglas D. Decker

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous wide area search, classification and attack using Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs) is considered. The wide area search and attack scenario is modeled, capturing important problem parameters related to environment, seeker, and munitions. Probabilistic analysis is used to formulate and analytically solve for various probabilities, including the probability of mission success. Two methods are utilized. The first examines the sub-events required for various events to occur. The second utilizes a Markov chain approach. General expressions are first obtained that are applicable to any assumed a priori distributions of targets and false targets. These expressions are subsequently applied to a …

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