Abstract: Five assessment hierarchies are constructed in this paper according to the development stages and detailed grades of an aircraft to remedy the weaknesses of current combat aircraft project assessment system and methods. They are hierarchies of integrated combat capability, integrated combat effectiveness, integrated use effectiveness, integrated use effectiveness & cost, and multi-project assessment & decision-making. Based on an analysis of the characteristics of each assessment hierarchy, a detailed attribute system is established, and the specific theoretical models and assessment methods are presented. Finally, a hierarchy assessment case study about active advanced fighters is performed which verifies the validity of the assessment system and methods. The assessment system and methods given in this paper can provide useful reference and a basis for the project assessment of modern combat aircraft and other weapon systems.

Key words: modern combat aircraft, assessment, hierarchy system, combat capability, effectiveness, life cycle cost, multi-criteria decision-making