This special issue of Mathematical and Computer Modelling is a partial tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). The outstanding research sponsored by AFOSR has provided the United States with a cutting edge as far back as WW II. The fantastic efforts of researchers both within academia and industry have led to phenomenal improvements in our country's warfighting capability. The contributions to this cause are too numerous to mention, and this special issue portrays a small subset of the progress made by AFOSR sponsored efforts.
The focus of this special issue is still somewhat broad as noted by the title, Optimization and Control for Military Applications. However, some narrowing of the subject may be recognized when examining the type of disciplines that are represented in this issue. Specifically, a large body of work has been developed through AFOSR in the area of optimizing resource allocation. These resources range from aircraft and spacecraft assets to time spent on engineering and design of new weapon systems. One can readily appreciate the need to efficiently utilize our military equipment, but the human resource is equally important. Enhanced design tools based on critical advancements in design methodologies are key to bringing the capabilities of engineers and scientists to bear on a problem.
Another area that significantly improves our ability to optimize our capabilities is maximizing information flow given severe constraints on data throughput. As such, AFOSR researchers are developing innovative methods within information networks. Goals include: reduced infrastructure needs, reduced latency in data flow, and getting actionable information into the hands of decision-makers by providing both qualitative and quantitative information such that the best decisions can be made.
One method for providing this kind of information is with sophisticated target tracking approaches. Given the dynamic nature of warfare combined with uncertainty in a target's location and intent, novel techniques and algorithms are being developed to present the warfighter with detailed knowledge of the battlespace. This information is vital when generating a comprehensive view of ground, sea, air, and space assets.
Finally, the advent of unmanned air vehicles (UAV's) and the roles they play as force multipliers have created new challenges in optimal control. These highly agile airframes are capable of flight dynamics that confound most conventional flight control systems. AFOSR is leading the way in successfully exploiting these powerful tools in support of our Nation's defense.