Mixed-Initiative Resource Management: the AMC Barrel Allocator

In this paper, we describe the Barrel Allocator, a scheduling tool developed for day-to-day allocation and management of airlift and tanker resources at the USAF Air Mobility Command (AMC). The system utilizes an incremental and configurable constraint-based search framework to provide a range of automated and semi-automated scheduling capabilities, including generating an initial solution to the fleet assignment problem, selective re-optimization of resource allocations to incorporate new higher priority missions while minimizing solution change, merging of previously planned missions to reduce non-productive flying time, and generation and synchronization of tanker missions to satisfy air refueling requirements. In situations where all mission requirements cannot be met, the system can generate and compare alternative constraint relaxation options. The current, version of Barrel Allocator will go into operational use at AMC as a module of Release 2.0 of AMC's Consolidated Air Mobility Planning System (CAMPS) in early 2000.