TOMAHAWK DECONFLICTION - AN EXERCISE IN SYSTEM ENGINEERING

Improvements to the navigational and timing accuracy of the Tomahawk B lock III missile resulted in the need to deconflict missiles, that is, to prevent missile-to-missile interference during flight. The Applied Physics Laboratory identified the potential risks resulting from the missile's increased accuracy, quantified the resulting probability of collision, and identified a deconfliction solution. This effort requir ed a broad system knowledge of Tomahawk and its supporting systems. Be cause so many different factors influence deconfliction-from Global Po sitioning System accuracy to overall engine performance-the solution m ust continue to be evaluated as the weapon system evolves. The Laborat ory continues to educate users about deconfliction, to monitor its eff ective use, and to analyze the potential effects on deconfliction of w eapon system developments. This ongoing system engineering effort assu res the continued effectiveness of the Tomahawk deconfliction solution .