Simulation Analysis of a System to Defeat Maritime Improvised Explosive Devices (MIED) in a US Port

Abstract

Although the risk of an attack in a US port could be considered a low-probability event, the importance ports and waterways play in domestic and global commerce demands timely and effective mitigation of the extremely high consequences associated with restrictions to port access should we face maritime improvised explosive devices (MIEDs) in our maritime transit system (MTS). In order to address the immediate response needed to defeat this threat, we used a systems engineering design methodology to define the problem, generated appropriate operational metrics, developed a series of system alternatives, and evaluated the alternatives through modeling and simulation analysis. These alternative systems, denoted as Adaptive Force Packages (AFPs), incorporate existing systems and technologies, emerging systems, and concepts under development that can be incorporated in the long term, while addressing the varying effects of port environments on sensors and neutralization assets.