# Smart Commander: A Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Framework for Fleet-Level PHM Decision Optimization

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.07171 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.07171/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Placed in RL for robot navigation and UAV control, one of 15 directions in Deep reinforcement learning methods.
- Builds on 2 of its 36 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 8 Apr 2026.

## Placed in

- Deep reinforcement learning methods / [RL for robot navigation and UAV control](https://mlsanity.com/deeprl/rl-for-robot-navigation-and-uav-control/)

## Builds on (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [A Survey on Reinforcement Learning in Aviation Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.02147/) (2022)
- [Deep reinforcement learning driven inspection and maintenance planning under incomplete information and constraints](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2007.01380/) (2020)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Decision-making in military aviation Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) faces significant challenges due to the "curse of dimensionality" in large-scale fleet operations, combined with sparse feedback and stochastic mission profiles. To address these issues, this paper proposes Smart Commander, a novel Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning (HRL) framework designed to optimize sequential maintenance and logistics decisions. The framework decomposes the complex control problem into a two-tier hierarchy: a strategic General Commander manages fleet-level availability and cost objectives, while tactical Operation Commanders execute specific actions for sortie generation, maintenance scheduling, and resource allocation. The proposed approach is validated within a custom-built, high-fidelity discrete-event simulation environment that captures the dynamics of aircraft configuration and support logistics.By integrating layered reward shaping with planning-enhanced neural networks, the method effectively addresses the difficulty of sparse and delayed rewards. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that Smart Commander significantly outperforms conventional monolithic Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and rule-based baselines. Notably, it achieves a substantial reduction in training time while demonstrating superior scalability and robustness in failure-prone environments. These results highlight the potential of HRL as a reliable paradigm for next-generation intelligent fleet management.