Determining Cost and Reduction of Risk to Force Threshold for Transitioning Small Forward Operating Base Power Generation to Advanced Systems
Abstract
Two decades of multi-front conflict in the Middle East have given logisticians and policymakers ample time to evaluate the efficacy of how to resupply and internally sustain forward operating bases (FOB). Specifically, studies have shown that there are manageable connections between the fuel consumed by an FOB, the costs to sustain that FOB with fuel for powering generators, and the potential to reduce the casualties associated with logistics resupply. Considerable research shows that the United States Department of Defense needs to consider alternative methods of power production on FOBs in order to reduce the total ownership costs of operating the FOB and the cost of human life to sustain the FOB that is attributable to logistics resupply missions. This project explores the current costs of sustaining an expeditionary FOB and how the implementation of existing technology could help mitigate those costs. It seeks to establish a potential risk to life savings that could be accomplished by reducing the periodicity of resupply. It is recommended that proof of concept be established for the concept of solar in a box through commercially available systems, such as the system explored in the project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1127026
Entities
People
- Jason R. Morlan
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School