Coordinating Plans for Agents Performing AAW Hardkill and Softkill for Frigates

The coordination of anti-air warfare (AAW) hardkill (HK) and softkill (SK) weapon systems is an important aspect of command and control for the HALIFAX Class Frigate. This led to the development of a rapid prototyping environment, described here, which supports the investigation of methods to coordinate the plans produced by AAW HK and SK agents. The HK and SK planning agents are described. An overview of agent coordination methods is provided, with a focus on our initial approach to HK and SK coordination via a Central Coordinator. This approach was successfully implemented, and proved effective in mitigating interference between HK and SK actions, and improved the overall survivability of the Frigate. Finally, future directions of this research are presented.