Air Weapons Systems Analysis

Abstract

Continuous demands for improved performance plus broad technological advances have greatly increased the difficulties of determining the optimum design specifications for complex weapons systems. Difficulties arise from (1) the far-reaching effects of the initial specifications, (2) the long time interval between initial specifications and operational readiness, (3) the large number of major parameters involved and their complex interrelationships. A method for determining the design objectives most likely to optimize systems performance is described, the system a strategic-type bomber. This approach considers the bomber in terms of its military mission and the individual bomber characteristics in terms of their contributions to mission performance. Current results of past analysis are illustrated by the contemporary strategic bombers of the U.S., U.K., and U.S.S.R.—the final arbiters of the soundness of weapons-systems analysis and the engineering decisions based thereon.