Techniques for Sortie Generation Analysis

The force effectiveness of tactical fighter units in meeting enemy threats is largely dependent on the aircraft capability to generate sorties. Sortie generation is a function of aircraft inherent design characteristics, operating conditions, and the quantity and availability of support resources. This paper examines a technique for analyzing the impact of these constraints and their interrelationships. The technique presented offers a practical approach for evaluating various operational and support policies by measuring their effect on the system's sortie generation capability. More importantly, the technique provides an important tool for evaluating the impact of design characteristics (particularly reliability and maintainability) on combat capability where the performance measure is, again, sortie generation capability.