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Efficient Solutions in Load Planning

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Abstract

The successful execution of an amphibious operation is a function of the efficient discharge of the ORBAT to the relevant points of entry in a given timeframe. Here, we consider a sea point of entry only where the planning phase considers the loading of the ORBAT onto watercraft. The current load planning capability is achieved through a conference and the use of a trim and stability tool. In order to make this process more efficient – both in time and accuracy – a new method was required by the ADF. As a result, DSTO developed a command decision aid, the Littoral Battle Tool Set, LBaTS. This report describes the loading algorithm as required by the landing phase and then extends the scope to the termination phase where the ORBAT is returned to the amphibious ship. Each method will be demonstrated for a fictitious component of an ORBAT. Finally, upon introduction of a command decision aid into the distributed architecture environment, we recommend incorporating the methods described here to enhance the planning capability of the ADF.

Executive Summary

An amphibious operation is highly dependent on the efficient discharge of the ORBAT to its point of entry. When considering a sea point of entry, the efficiency is a function of loading the watercraft. This efficiency may make the difference in meeting the planning objective and has the potential to reduce the number of watercraft to be used to carry out the operation. Currently, load plans for amphibious operations require a planning conference which may take place over a considerable number of days. Up until 2001, load plans were constructed by scaled drawings with cardboard shapes representing cargo items which were then arranged on the outline of a ship or watercraft (depending on application) to see if the load would fit. More recently, the load plan has been integrated with Mariner to ascertain if the load is feasible in terms of trim and stability. Alternatively, the equivalent is done where cargo units are "dragged and dropped" into Mariner and load plans devised in this way. It must be noted that Mariner is a trim and stability package rather than a loadplanning tool and does not have any load optimisation capability. Due to this labour intensive task, the ADF required a method to aid the load planning to reduce the overall time taken as well as developing near optimal solutions. The implementation is required in real-time, with a feasible solution found in the order of seconds, rather than hours. As a result, MOD, DSTO developed a command decision aid, LBaTS, with the loading routine being a component. This report describes the method to solve the loading problem and extends the scope of the initial problem to that of a logistical load where the priority can be relaxed. The implementation of the former has been incorporated in LBaTS and the latter is for internal usage only. In addition, we propose how the two problems can be solved by one method. The benefit to the ADF will be through its enhanced planning capability gained through the growing maturity of LBaTS and subsequent knowledge for the acquisition of a command decision aid for the distributed architecture environment such as JCSS. Whilst the requirement arose through a requirement in amphibious operations, the methods described here have equal applicability to any two-dimensional loading problem. Threedimensional problems can be solved through further extensions to this algorithm.

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