A Tactics Expert System for Scout/Attack Rotorcraft

As threat forces continue to use advanced technology to develop a sophisticated anti-aircraft capability, and as mission demands become more complex, military rotorcraft must use advanced methods to reduce cockpit workload and improve mission effectiveness. Artificial intelligence and expert systems technology represent an approach to these advanced methods: automation and expert system applications are becoming essential for future military rotorcraft. The application of this type of technology to rotorcraft is relatively new; consequeritly, few people understand the depth of knowledge and supporting data required for the automation of a small task, much less a large one. This paper discusses the development of an expert system that assists the rotorcraft crew with the selection of optimized firing and observation positions. The discussion includes an overview of expert systems and describes our approach, experiences, and the lessons learned during the development of the prototype system.