Global Reach and Air Cargo Operations. A Study in Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) Requirements.
Abstract
This research paper examines airlift system support issues, and in particular, issues concerning Materials Handling Equipment (MHE). Limitations of existing loaders have forced AMC to adopt the practice of using airlift to reposition MHE between theater locations. It is assumed that such a practice is costly to the command, both in terms of monetary expense and capability. Two issues relating to MHE will be examined in this paper; the cost of repositioning these assets, and the impact repositioning has on force closure. To meet system demands, AMC commits a significant amount of airlift to repositioning MHE. This practice is very costly in terms of time and money. Lost time in a two MRC scenario can be the difference between success or failure. Although difficult to quantify in terms of capability, this study suggests that in a contingency environment, transporting MHE between locations causes significant delays in force closure estimates. While the researcher offers no empirical data, it is intuitively evident that AMC will have difficulty meeting a two MRC airlift requirement using existing loaders, which seriously jeopardizes our ability to project power abroad. Modernizing the MHE fleet is key to meeting the requirements of a two MRC strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA309957
Entities
People
- Keith E. Nickles
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology