Some Hand-Done Calculations on Attacks Against Runways

E. H. Sharkey

ResearchPublished 1969

This paper uses "hand-done" calculations to complement the findings from "machine-runs" (i.e., computer simulations) on the effectiveness of low-level attacks on air bases. Experience during the Vietnam War suggests that although bomb spacing of 50 feet or lower is optimal, 100-foot spacing of retarded weapons appears to be the best that can be done with current systems. The paper presents one means to regain optimal spacing: attacking on an axis 30 degrees from the runway axis. Calculations and graphs describe how the probability of runway closures varies for attacks using 0, 30,45, and 90 degrees from the attack axis.

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Sharkey, E. H., Some Hand-Done Calculations on Attacks Against Runways. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1969. https://www.rand.org/pubs/documents/D18821.html.
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