In this paper, we propose a new method for evaluating weapon systems by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based on linguistic variable weight. Many researchers used fuzzy arithmetic operations with weight and attribute of computing performance score to solve fuzzy MADM problems, such as S.M. Chen [Evaluating weapon systems using fuzzy arithmetic operations, Fuzzy sets and systems 77 (1996) 265-276]. Chen used a large number of fuzzy arithmetic operations, which not only causes information (data) loss or more fuzziness, but also adds to the difficulty and accuracy of decision-making. Therefore, we use linguistic variable weight method to solve the above problems, and to avoid the mistake of decision-making. Our method possesses intuition, in accord with human rethinking-model, and is close to humanized uncertainty of language expression. We use many experts' viewpoints to build the membership function in order to calculate the performance score, and identify expectation of the decision-maker to avoid the constraint of system alternatives and subjective judgements of the decision-maker. In this paper, we also use linguistic variable method to revise the method of C.H. Cheng [in: Proceedings of the Fourth National Conference on Defense Management, pp. 1113-1124] and R.R. Yager [Fuzzy Sets and Systems 1 (1978) 87-95]. Firstly, we measure the importance of relative weight, and use it to determine the centralization or dilation power of linguistic hedge. When the power of linguistic hedge is determined, we can use it to calculate the results of decision-making. Finally, we construct a practical example for evaluating attack helicopters to illustrate our proposed method. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
