A METHOD FOR DUEL HANDLING IN A COMBAT AIRCRAFT
Field of the invention
The invention relates to a method for decision support of a
first combat aircraft in a duel situation with a second combat
aircraft .
Background of the invention
Document US 4,797,839 describes a resource allocation system
for indicating the optimum allocation of a resource between a
series of demands xteratxvely processing the probability data
for each demand to determine for each a range of amounts of
resource available the optimum distribution of the resource
between the demands and the resultant probability of
successfully overcoming all the demands.
Typically support functions are available for the pilot
environment in combat aircraft, such as human machine
interface, HMI for short, and decision support. The solutions
are usually based on and are adapted for high tempo in flight
and combat situations where HMI and decision support together
describe the current position and then display the tools and
solutions to the pilot.
Solutions are commonly based on the aircraft itself and its
available resources and tools. Sensors, such as radar, are
operated by the pilot as a tool for close-range scanning or
for scanning objects for identification and continued pursuit.
Decision support as a support function supports the multiple
use of sensors by merging objects detected by several
different sensors and then coordinates and correlates these
objects in a situation picture. This is typically done via
networks in further steps to create a common situation picture
between several aircrafts within an aircraft group.
When the complexity increases because more tools and sensors
are supplied, the possibilities available to the pilot in
order to control the tools and/or sensors in time are limited.
This makes it difficult for the pilot to manage duel
situations. Hence, in time-critical situations, such as in air
combat, the pilot risks becoming the underdog. Further, each
tool and/or sensor has its own characteristics and
peculiarities. Therefore, each sensor and/or tool requires its
own interface and control functions which the pilot needs to
be able to understand and use correctly which is not an easy
tas .
Summary of the invention
It is the object of the invention to provide a tool which
makes it possible to assist a pilot in decision support such
that the pilot can easily manage duel situations while the
tool is reliable and fast and thus supports a quick and
efficient decision in duel situations.
This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent
claim 1 . Preferred embodiments are defined in the sub claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, this object is
achieved by a method for decision support of a first combat
aircraft in a duel situation with a second combat aircraft
comprising the steps of: a ) determining a first plurality of
combat value parameters of the first combat aircraft and
determining a second plurality of combat value parameters of
the second combat aircraft, wherein the second combat aircraft
is different to the first combat aircraft, b ) analyzing the
first and the second plurality of combat value parameters
determined in the previous step (step a ) ) by fitting the first
and the second plurality of combat value parameters to a
predefined model, and c ) combining the first plurality of
combat value parameters analyzed in the previous step (step b ))
to calculate a first value and combining the second plurality
of combat value parameters analyzed in the previous step (step
b ) ) to calculate a second value, wherein the first value and
the second value are compared to each other to determine the
optimum success probability data of the first combat aircraft
and of the second combat aircraft adapted for decision support
in the duel situation.
It is an idea of the invention to provide an HM
implementation for describing and evaluating combatants in a
duel situation. The pilot's own options are thus analyzed and
evaluated, then coordinated to form a characteristic value.
This value can be displayed as a sphere around the pilot's own
aircraft. For the enemy a corresponding analysis is conducted
based on the alternatives that may prevent or limit his
possibilities. The coordinated characteristic value for the
enemy can also be displayed as a sphere around the enemy
object, such as the enemy aircraft. In this way, the pilot is
provided with a clearer idea of the situation by visually
conveying the combat position in a duel situation.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
predefined model comprises at least one of a probabilistic
model, a deterministic model and a model comprising a
predefined number of libraries. The predefined model
preferably corresponds to a linear model, such as to a
Gaussian model.
By using such simple models this tool is reliable and fast to
use. Further, the pilot can thus easily manage a duel
situation .
Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention, combining is performed by applying a predefined
algorithm. The term "combining" means that the calculation
procedure is carried out with the plurality of combat value
parameters in order to arrive at a predefined value which is
characteristic for the respective combat aircraft.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
method further comprises the step of storing the determined
data in step a), the analyzed data in step b ) and/ or the
calculated data in step c ) . Preferably, the method further
comprises the step of displaying the determined data in step
a), the analyzed data in step b ) and/or the calculated data in
step c ) . In this way, the pilot can make a quick and efficient
decision. This is supported by visualising his tools.
Displaying the calculated data in step c ) preferably comprises
displaying the first value on a first sphere or first circle
around the first combat aircraft and/or displaying the second
value on a second sphere or second circle around the second
combat aircraft. Further, the step of displaying comprises
displaying a tool and/or a solution to the pilot of the first
combat aircraft dependent on the ratio of the radii of the
first sphere and the second sphere or dependent on the ratio
of the radii of the first circle and the second circle. In
this way the pilot becomes aware of possible dangers and
advantages in the duel situation and can simply choose his
preferred tactics in the duel situation.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the step
of determining is performed by a sensor, such as radar, a
database and/or a link. The first and the second combat value
parameters preferably comprise at least one of a position
parameter, a radius of a first sphere and/or a second sphere,
a radius of a first circle and/or a second circle, a weapon
range parameter, a sensor locking parameter and/or an
alternative manoeuvre parameter. The first combat aircraft
preferably corresponds to a pilot's own aircraft and the
second combat aircraft corresponds to an enemy aircraft.
Brief description of the drawings
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from
and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described
hereinafter .
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 illustrates a method according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention; and
Fig. 2 illustrates a combat situation according to another
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Detailed description of embodiments
Fig. 1 shows the steps of a method for decision support
according a preferred embodiment of the invention. A first
combat aircraft 1 is in a duel situation with a second combat
aircraft 2 . In a first step, a first plurality of combat value
parameters of the first combat aircraft 1 is determined 3 and
a second plurality of combat value parameters of the second
combat aircraft 2 is determined 3 . In a second step, the first
and the second plurality of combat value parameters determined
in the first step are analyzed 4 by fitting the first and the
second plurality of combat value parameters to a predefined
model, and, in a third step, the first plurality of combat
value parameters analyzed in the second step are combined 5 to
calculate a first value and the second plurality of combat
value parameters analyzed in the second step are combined 5 to
calculate a second value. These values, i.e. the first value
and the second value, are compared to each other to determine
the optimum success probability data of the first combat
aircraft 1 and of the second combat aircraft 2 . In further
steps the relevant data are stored 6 and displayed 7 .
Fig. 2 shows a combat situation according to another preferred
embodiment of the invention. It illustrates that large spheres
correspond to good combat possibilities. If there is a small
sphere around an opponent 2 , then the opponent 2 has a variety
of options. The pilot in his own aircraft 1 can choose between
a defensive strategy and an offensive strategy. All the input
combat parameters are coordinated to form a value which is
characteristic and visually constitutes the radius in a sphere
or in a circle, dependent on a three-dimensional or twodimensional
illustration. The size of the sphere indicates a
likelihood of succeeding in the operation, because a large
sphere in the pilot's own aircraft 1 indicates the evaluated
limits to a successful escape from the enemy 2 . The size of
the enemy's sphere indicates the possibility of succeeding in
the operation of the pilot in his own aircraft 1 . A large
sphere indicates an evaluated clear combat superiority,
whereas a smaller sphere indicates a much more difficult
situation .
The pilot can choose between the defensive strategy and the
offensive strategy. Both choices comprise similar steps but
the goal is different. Using the defensive strategy the pilot
focus on expanding his own sphere to survive the duel
situation, whereas when using the offensive strategy the pilot
has the goal to destruct or prohibit the enemy in the duel
*
situation. Firstly, the enemy is detected. Secondly, he is
identified and engaged. Finally, the enemy is destructed.
Since both aircrafts 1 , 2 can choose both tactics there are
four possible situations which make the choice of the tactics
adaptive. This usually depends on the situation of the pilot's
own aircraft.
When the own aircraft 1 and the enemy aircraft 2 both show
large spheres, there is a good combat possibility with good
protection possible for the own aircraft 1 . In this case a
free choice of tactics is possible. In case that there is a
large own sphere and a small enemy sphere, there is only a
limited destruct possibility but with good protection. In this
case defensive strategy is the best strategy to choose. In the
third case, where there is a small own sphere and a large
enemy sphere, a good combat possibility is given but with a
high risk. In this case the offensive strategy is best. In the
fourth case, i.e. a small own sphere and a small enemy sphere,
the pilot's own aircraft 1 is an underdog relative to the
enemy 2 . In this latter case regardless of strategy, it is
better not to seek further combat.
The invention provides a rapid situation assessment in duel
situations. An immediate overview can be obtained by using
spheres with a three-dimensional visualization. The invention
provides the possibility of being able to visualize decision
support quickly relating to a superior or to an inferior
situation in a duel situation.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such
illustration and description are to be considered illustrative
or exemplary and not restrictive and it is not intended to
limit the invention to the disclosed embodiments. The mere
fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different
dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these
measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims
1 . A method for decision support of a first combat aircraft
(1) in a duel situation with a second combat aircraft (2)
comprising the steps of:
a ) determining (3) a first plurality of combat value
parameters of the first combat aircraft (1) and determining (3)
a second plurality of combat value parameters of the second
combat aircraft (2), wherein the second combat aircraft (2) is
different to the first combat aircraft (1),
b ) analyzing (4) the first and the second plurality of
combat value parameters determined in the previous step by
fitting the first and the second plurality of combat value
parameters to a predefined model, and
c ) combining (5) the first plurality of combat value
parameters analyzed in the previous step to calculate a first
value and combining (5) the second plurality of combat value
parameters analyzed in the previous step to calculate a second
value, wherein the first value and the second value are
compared to each other to determine the optimum success
probability data of the first combat aircraft (1) and of the
second combat aircraft (2) adapted for decision support in the
duel situation.
2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the predefined
model comprises at least one of a probabilistic model, a
deterministic model and a model comprising a predefined number
of libraries.
3 . The method according to claim 2 , wherein the predefined
model corresponds to a linear model, such as to a Gaussian
model .
4 . The method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein combining (5) is performed by applying a predefined
algorithm.
5 . The method according to one of the preceding claims,
further comprising storing (6) the determined data in step a),
the analyzed data in step b ) and/or the calculated data in
step c ) .
6 . The method according to one of the preceding claims,
further comprising displaying (7) the determined data in step
a ) , the analyzed data in step b ) and/or the calculated data in
step c ) .
7 . The method according to claim 6 , wherein displaying (7)
the calculated data in step c ) comprises displaying the first
value on a first sphere or first circle around the first
combat aircraft (1) and/or displaying the second value on a
second sphere or second circle around the second combat
aircraft (2) .
8 . The method according to claim 7 , further comprising
displaying (7) a tool and/or a solution to the pilot of the
first combat aircraft (1) dependent on the ratio of the radii
of the first sphere and the second sphere or dependent on the
ratio of the radii of the first circle and the second circle.
9 . The method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the step of determining (3) is performed by a sensor,
such as radar, a database and/or a link.
10. The method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first and the second combat value parameters
comprise at least one of a position parameter, a radius of a
first sphere and/or a second sphere, a radius of a first
circle and/or a second circle, a weapon range parameter, a
sensor locking parameter and/or an alternative manoeuvre
parameter .
11. The method according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first combat aircraft (1) corresponds to a pilot's
own aircraft and the second combat aircraft (2) corresponds to
an enemy aircraft