Integrated scheduling method for fleet wave sorties and maintenance of naval distributed platforms

Abstract

Managing operational command and maintenance support activities for carrier-based aircraft in a multi-platform system is challenging. This research presents an integrated mathematical model for scheduling deployment, sortie, and maintenance of carrier-based aircraft. The model helps decision-makers formulate fleet allocation plans, create sortie flight schedules, and coordinate repairs for future maritime distributed operations. We have introduced a novel bi-level iteration optimization method that improves traditional manual empirical scheduling methods. An advanced version, a two-stage optimization method, can handle a large number of states and solution spaces while ensuring accuracy. Our statistical validation shows that the two-stage optimization method has an insignificant deviation of 1–2% (with an average of −0.91%) from accurate results. Importantly, this method significantly reduces computational time (with an average of 98.25%), which enhances decision-making accuracy and real-time feasibility. Finally, the research discusses a cross-platform linkage mechanism for distributing aircraft repair tasks. This mechanism aims to enhance mission readiness and operational metrics by avoiding backlogs and reducing inefficiencies caused by concentrating maintenance on a single platform. The results of this study provide a foundation for decision-making regarding future naval distributed systems and their operations.