Computer games, simulations, models, and operations research programs often require a mechanism to determine statistically how likely the engagement between a weapon and a target will result in a satisfactory outcome (i.e. "kill"), known as the probability of kill.
Performance auditing and statistical decisions are required when all of the variables that must be considered are not incorporated into the current model, similar to the actuarial methods used by insurance companies to deal with large numbers of customers and huge numbers of variables.
Likewise, military planners rely on such calculations to determine the quantity of weapons necessary to destroy an enemy force.
The probability of kill, or "Pk", is usually based on a uniform random number generator.
This reflects the fact that even modern guided warheads may not always destroy a hit target such as an aircraft, missile or main battle tank.