RIGHT-SIZED OR DOWNSIZED: COMPARISON OF COSTS VERSUS CAPABILITY TO MAINTAIN INTRA-THEATER AIRLIFT
Abstract
The US Air Force has revised how it operates and manages the force structure of intra-theater airlift due to reduced budgets in these fiscally constrained times. Developing a force structure of the Air Reserve Component (ARC) C-130H fleet that is cost-efficient while also preserving intra-theater airlift capabilities is a must as funds to operate shrink while demands for intra-theater airlift remain. The Air Force has determined that to efficiently meet airlift capabilities requirements a standard of eight total aircraft inventory (TAI) per ARC unit is the best force structure. With consideration to the eight TAI force structure for ARC C-130H units, the goal of this research is to determine if this is in fact a cost-efficient method to assign aircraft and if this number of aircraft per unit will have any negative effect on airlift capability. This research analyzes some of the many cost and capabilities factors that should be considered when determining the ideal force structure for organizing the ARCs C-130H fleet. An evaluation of cost and capabilities factors will identify if the Air Forces eight TAI force structure is cost-efficient or if alternate solutions should be explored. This research also seeks to uncover whether or not there are any limitations for the capabilities an eight TAI unit can provide or if the current set of required capabilities is better provided for by units with more aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1040753
Entities
People
- Jason S. Bertino
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College