Modeling Composite Fleets Utilizing Hybrid Airships
Abstract
This paper examines the potential use and optimum combination of hybrid airships to support large cargo movements related to major war operations across strategic, tactical and last mile distances. The main goal is to determine if hybrid airships can be used in an augmenting role rather than viewing them as a replacement to conventional strategic lift such as the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and Large Medium Speed Roll-on Roll-off (LMSR) ships or tactical lift such as the C-130 Hercules. The second focus is to determine the optimum size and number of hybrid airships to support a large cargo movement when combined with conventional assets. The final focus is to determine whether hybrid airships should be manned, unmanned or autonomous. The analysis determined that composite fleets utilizing hybrid airships can be successfully modeled using the Rapid Course of Analysis Tool software. Modeling determined that it is feasible to move large quantities of cargo using combinations of conventional fixed wing aircraft, hybrid airships, and surface ships. This research simulated the delivery of a Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Ft. Lewis, Washington to Davao International Airport in the Philippines using a composite fleet of assets. The optimum combination for SBCT deployment is 81 C-17s, 50 C-5s, 60 120-ton hybrid airships and 60 30-ton hybrid airships. This fleet closes the TPFDD in 5 days and costs $139.7M. Using a combination of 62 C-17s, 8 C-5s, 40 120-ton hybrid airships, and 1 LMSR ship, an SBCT can be deployed in 17 days at a cost of $70.3M. Analysis shows that hybrid airships should be either remotely piloted or autonomously controlled in order to lower the personnel requirement for a large fleet.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1107424
Entities
People
- Christopher R Gilbert
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology