The Joint Model Project for Battlescale Atmospheric Conditions (JMP BAC) is a cooperative venture of the Environmental Verification and Analysis Center (EVAC), and the Battlefield Environment Division of the Army Research Laboratory. JMP BAC is an outgrowth of a three-year research project initiated by Scott Greene and Mark Morrissey and funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education through the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
Current JMP BAC efforts include the testing and validation of two weather models: the Battlescale Forecast Model (BFM) and the MM5. The BFM is P.C.-based mesoscale modeling system, which incorporates the High Order Turbulence Model for Atmospheric Circulations (HOTMAC) described in Yamada (1981) and Yamada and Bunker (1988). The MM5 is the latest generation of the NCAR/Penn State Mesoscale Model developed from the hydrodynamic model documented in Anthes and Warner (1978).
Eventually, mesoscale forecasts will be used to increase the effectiveness of current and future weapons systems and will allow for improved decision making on the battlefield. Specific applications include forecasting wind, density, and temperature for the adjustment of extended-range artillery and providing advance estimates of visibility and wind conditions over distant target areas for the selection and effective delivery of smart munitions.
Please send questions or comments to Ethan, Mike, or Erin.
Last Updated: 11/17/99