Optimum Ammunition Properties for Salvos

Calculation of the probability of kill from firing a salvo of ammunition rounds often is a very complicated and time-consuming problem. Thus there is a tendency to sacrifice realism to obtain greater mathematical simplicity. There are, however, some worthwhile salvo-firing problems where realism and mathematical simplicity are both attainable. Let the salvo size, the lethality properties of the ammunition, the shape and vulnerability properties of the target, and the probability properties of the salvo-aiming system against this target all be arbitrary but given. Consider determination of the maximum salvo kill-probability value obtainable through use of the optimum hit-location probability distribution for the ammunition rounds. Evaluation of this maximum salvo kill probability, and of the corresponding optimum round-hit-location probability distribution, is the problem analyzed in this paper. Although this problem is solved for a very general class of situations, the computations required are not extensive. The results derived also can be used to indicate the effects on salvo kill probability of salvo size, target shape and vulnerability distribution, target maneuver, fire-control-system properties, etc.