On the production of victory: Empirical determinants of battlefield success in modern war

Using a data set of historical battles from 1600 to 1973, this paper analyzes the empirical determinants of tactical success in modern war. Based on a reduced form approach we consider key elements of military theory as production factors for combat success as an output of a military production function. The paper focuses on the relationship of material and non-material factors to battlefield success, and especially on the role of superior force strengths. Contrary to the emphasis on technology which can be found in the recent literature, our estimation results indicate that numerical superiority has retained its crucial role for battlefield performance throughout history. In general, human elements of warfare, like leadership, morale and surprise, have continued to be important determinants of battle outcome despite technological progress in weapons.     

The Armoury Gauging System and Interchangeable Manufacture

Abstract

Scientifically analysing important artefacts from the site of historic battles is vital if the best information is to be retrieved from the field. A detailed knowledge of the specific equipment that was available to the combatants from a known battle is also required at a high level so that artefacts and fragments resulting from an historic battlefield archaeological survey can be recognised when found. Access to specialists from all walks of life is required throughout each battlefield-related project, from the fieldwork stages to the dissemination of information. The following paper discusses the importance of working alongside museums and specialists and gives examples of how the Towton Battlefield Archaeology Project has successfully worked with the staff at the Royal Armouries Leeds.     

The Towton Battle — A Reinterpretation

The paper re-interprets the implement known as the ‘Towton Battle Axe’ allegedly found in the river which borders the Towton Battlefield (1461), Yorkshire, England, and which now resides in Alnwick Castle, Northumberland. The paper provides parallels, in the form of comparisons with other weapons, in order that the Towton implement can be shown to be a modified former halberd dating from the early sixteenth century. It is, therefore, highly unlikely that the implement was used in the famous battle.     

A method to determine the shell layout scheme for equipment battlefield damage tests under artillery fire

In this paper,a new method for determining the shell layout scheme is proposed,which can make the equipment damage data by the battlefield damage test resemble as close as possible the actual combat data.This method is based on the analysis of the impact point distribution and effective damage area of equipment.In order to obtain the position of the impact points,an impact point distribution model under artillery fire was established.Similarly,in order to obtain the effective damage area of equipment,the concepts of generalized damage area and task-based equipment functional damage probability were demonstrated,and the corresponding calculation model was established.Through case analysis,the shell layout scheme was effectively obtained,verifying the correctness of the proposed method.     

美军战场态势一致性对海战场态势图体系构建的启示

信息化战争中,战场态势图已经成为各类指控系统的核心。本文对美军互操作作战图族FIOP发展现状进行分析研究,总结出美军FIOP的特点和美军实现战场态势一致性的关键技术,在对美军态势图的研究基础上,提出了对海战场态势图体系构建的启示和需要解决的关键技术。     

战场地面传感侦察系统初探

本文在利用现代传感器技术与计算机技术进行实验探索的基础上,对战场地面传感侦察系统的构成和原理进行了论述,说明了进行战场地面传感侦察系统技术研究的迫切性和可行性.     

Morale and Battlefield Performance at Caporetto, 1917

Abstract

How does morale relate to tactical and operational failure? Is it a cause or an effect? Using the Italian Army at Caporetto as a case study, this article explores the cyclical relationship between battlefield performance and morale. Combining quantitative analysis of army statistics with qualitative analysis of various official and private sources, this article analyses morale before the battle and during its opening phase. Italian morale appears surprisingly resilient and decisions to surrender or desert frequently relied on objective assessment of events rather than demoralisation. In this case it was battlefield defeat which turned disaffection into a full- scale morale crisis.     

未来海上防空作战战场环境研究

战场环境对海上防空作战有着直接的影响,针对日益复杂的战场环境,从空中威胁环境、自然环境、电磁环境等方面深入分析了未来海上防空作战可能面临的战场环境及其对防空作战的影响,提出了未来海上防空武器和防空体系发展的几点建议。     

战场电磁环境可视化研究

对电磁空间的信息争夺是敌我双方争夺"信息优势"的主要战场。战场电磁环境的透明化及其作战研究是一个急需解决的问题。从作战指挥需要出发,提出了战场电磁环境可视化系统的设计原则及应满足的具体要求,列举了实现电磁环境可视化的几个基本要素,最后,对电磁环境可视化的技术实现做了详细介绍。     

单兵系统战场信息库及信息管理——“数字化战场与单兵数字化系统”系列论文之四

本文在讨论单兵系统战场信息分类与信息库系统结构的基础上，提出了单兵战场信息库系统的功能与设计原则。然后，对单兵战场信息库系统中的信息处理流程进行了分析。