Research on Functional Robustness of Heterogeneous Combat Networks

The combat system-of-systems in high-tech informative warfare consists of different types of combat systems connected via multiple interconnections, which can be abstracted as types of complex heterogeneous networks. Research on the functional robustness of heterogeneous combat networks (HCNs) is of significant military value for optimizing operation process planning and for improving network survivability in complex electromagnetic battle fields. This study presents an integrated framework, known as the HCN functional robustness (HCNFR) framework to measure the functional robustness of HCNs under various attacking strategies. Specifically, a heterogeneous network model is introduced to characterize HCNs considering different types of functional entities and information flows. Based on this setup, the rescaled operational capability index (ROCI) is first proposed to evaluate the functional robustness of HCNs, and the criterion for functional disintegration of HCNs is established by summing the values of ROCI during the attacking process. Finally, the reliability and effectiveness of HCNFR are illustrated with an empirical case study. The results provide useful insights for operational guidance and design of a more functional and robust combat system-of-systems.