A System Dynamics Model for Analyzing Swarming UAVs Air Combat System

Abstract

Recently, the swarming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) air combat is becoming a new efficient combat pattern in the battle. Assessing the role of UAVs in swarming air combat system, as well as analyzing corresponding combat factors is a crucial part in weapon development evaluation and military equipment system construction. System Dynamics (SD) theory is a good method to study the defense system by analyzing the feedbacks of the battle, but at present the application of SD theory in defense is limited. This paper established a SD model by dividing the attack weapons into Red and Blue army for swarming UAVs air combat system to simulate the combat process. Taking the characteristics of swarming UAVs into consideration and drawing lessons to the concept of Lanchester equation and operational loop, the causality diagrams and the stock-flow chart are constructed in the SD model. The simulation results reflect that the UAVs play an important role and can share the responsibility of high-value weapons in the air combat system. Eventually, some influencing factors are studied in parameter sensitivity analysis, which has great significance in identifying important battlefield factors and enhancing combat efficiency.