Multi-Agent Simulation of Human Behavior in Naval Air Defense

Abstract

This paper appeared in the Naval Engineers' Journal, 116 (4), Fall 2004, 53-64.The AEGIS Cruiser Air-Defense Simulation is a program that models the operations of a Combat Information Center team performing air defense for a U.S. Navy battle group. It uses multi-agent system technology and is implemented in Java. Conceived primarily to assist personnel in air-defense training and doctrine formulation, the simulation provides insight into the factors (skills, experience, fatigue, aircraft numbers, weather, etc.) that influence performance, especially under intense or stressful situations, and the task bottlenecks. It simulates air contacts (aircraft and missiles) as well as the actions and mental processes of the watchstanders. All simulated events are logged, to permit performance analysis and reconstruction for post-scenario training. Validation of the simulation was done with the help of expert practitioners of air defense at the AEGIS Training & Readiness Center (ATRC), San Diego, California, USA.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited