Manfred Held
The penetration potential of shaped charges is proportional to the jet length and the square root of the jet density. The bulk-sound velocities of the liner materials define the maximum possible jet tip velocities. The jet tip velocities and breakup, or particulation, times determine the jet length. For shaped-charge optimisations these parameters have to be considered. After a brief discussion of these issues, this paper outlines the potential of a range of materials for use as possible shaped-charge liners. It is further noted that, as well as the selection of optimal materials, a number of other factors have be taken into account, such as quality of the raw material, homogeneity, and grain-size distribution. Finally, the paper describes the different production possibilities for copper liners, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each. In particular, the flow-turning process is discussed with its potential for spin compensation.
J. Wang, R. Bird, B. Swinton and A. Krstic
The aim of this study was to develop a practical solution that would effectively limit load transmission through the floor of a vehicle experiencing a landmine explosion and thus help to protect the lower limbs of the occupants. A false-floor approach was proposed and a drop-test was used to examine alternative false-floor configurations. The mechanical properties of the insertion materials used in the false-floor were measured and explicit finite element method (FEM) modelling then carried out to simulate the drop-tests. Based on these tests and the FEM modelling results, a practical false-floor configuration was proposed. Finally, explosive field trials were conducted in which biofidelic surrogate legs were used. The results confirmed that the proposed false-floor approach was an effective method for limiting impact loads to the lower limbs.
Anthony H. Dekker
We explore the question “Is warfare an art or a science?” Using a framework of five modes of thinking based on Jungian psychology, we answer this question by reviewing the classical writings of Sun Tzu and Clausewitz, and conclude that understanding of people and lateral thinking are the most important modes of thinking associated with C2. This leads to a number of suggestions for the design of C2 Information Systems, particularly that they should provide increased emphasis on communications, group-working and brainstorming tools, and interoperability.
Amanda J. Brosnan
It has been claimed that, for the most part, meaningful IO doctrine is non-existent. This paper explores that claim focusing on US IO doctrine. First, internal issues relating to doctrine architecture are examined. Possible uses of IO contained in the doctrine are broad, but can be viewed as going some way to incorporate the potential of IO into the relatively static environment of doctrine. Doctrinal IO components include a variety of activities that influence the information domain, and these too are generalised enough to accommodate development in IO. However, staff structures and processes on which current US IO doctrine is based are ill-suited to IO. In addition, the doctrine fails to adequately deal with vulnerabilities derived from connectivity between the DII and deployed force networks, and an over-emphasis on the role of IT in IO introduces weaknesses into IO doctrine. Secondly, external issues are addressed. Legal problems associated with the conduct of IO compromise the meaningfulness of IO doctrine, as do problems encountered when conducting IO in multinational environments. Also, the lack of adequate national IO policy adversely affects both the conduct of IO and the ability to protect military IO vulnerabilities. Overall, although current US IO doctrine contains much that is useful, the points of weakness are fundamental and do indeed significantly degrade the overall meaningfulness of IO doctrine as it stands today.
Andrew W. Gill, Richard Egudo, Peter J. Dortmans and Dion Grieger
The Australian Army is seeking information addressing the combat effectiveness of their conceptual Enhanced Combat Force (in a 2015 timeframe). One of the main questions to be answered is how their manoeuvre concepts might need to change. To experiment with agent-based distillations we abstracted a problem based on Manoeuvre Operations in a Littoral Environment and the specific hypothesis to be tested was whether a small, mobile force with high situational awareness coupled with effective reach-back munitions could defeat a significantly larger force. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the application of Enhanced ISAAC Neural Simulation Toolkit (EINSTein), which is one of a growing number of agent-based distillations. We present some preliminary results against our hypothesis and make some initial observations on the potential utility of such models for land operations analyses.
John P. Foster and Mark A. Richardson
Recent conflicts have demonstrated that the threat from Infrared (IR) Seeker Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) is significant. Air operations in Bosnia and Kosovo were severely hampered by the requirement to fly above the maximum engagement range of SAM systems. In particular, the threat posed by highly mobile, easily concealed Shoulder Launched SAMs limited the use of low-level reconnaissance, attack helicopters and offensive air support. The development of the passive Missile Warning Sensor (MWS) has been seen as a way of redressing the aircraft-missile engagement balance by offering to re-establish the validity of safe flying operations at low level. Unfortunately, testing of Defensive Aids Suites (DAS) employing MWS technology indicates that there are many problems associated with the integration and operation of a missile detection, warning and engagement system. The paper outlines the technology and deployment doctrine associated with the MWS and provides options that the IR Seeker SAM designer and/or operator could utilise to overcome MWS-based DAS.
Alan C. McLucas
In this article it is argued that, far too often, conceptualisation of complex systems, development of user requirements and subsequent systems engineering activities do not produce the results expected. Attempts to more rigorously apply systems engineering practices fall short because the roles choice and decision making play are not well understood. Whilst systems engineers are taught to carefully weigh up options, the reality is that naturalistic decision-making, mental shortcuts or experience-based heuristics are routinely applied. So, systems architecting, which acknowledges the role of stakeholders and the use of heuristic-based decision making, is an important adjunct to conventional systems engineering, when it comes to development of complex systems. Conceptualisation of complex systems is more of an art than a science, and that art is affected in its application by organisational and cultural influences.
