Modelling shared situational awareness using the MANA model

Abstract:

<p><span style="background-color:rgb(251, 251, 250); color:rgb(25, 25, 25); font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">This paper introduces new features included in the widely used MANA Agent Based Distillation Model (ABDM). Particular emphasis is given to its communications and network modelling abilities, which allow the analyst to explore concepts and application of Network Centric Warfare (NCW). Two simple scenarios are used to demonstrate some of its abilities in this area. These involve the use of inorganic contact information to assist in the interception of a Red fleet at sea and for weapons targeting of distant agents. The ability to measure the effect of varying the parameters of a network in a particular scenario is demonstrated. Such abilities allow performance and cost-benefit studies to be conducted using this model. It is suggested that complex multi-node networks could be readily modelled in an ABDM like MANA.</span></p>