An Overview and Assessment of U.S. Strategic Airlift
Abstract
This paper will analyze the evolution and defining of strategic airlift requirements from the 198Os forward as examined in multiple Congressional and DOD level studies and reviews. An analysis of the current strategic airlift fleet and force structure will be included. A historical perspective will show the importance and critical nature of strategic airlift. A look will be taken at multiple airlift studies to date to compare and contrast the results and evaluate the present situation to answer the question: Is there an overall strategic airlift shortfall? This paper concludes that modifications to improve C-5 reliability are necessary now. Based on the current national military strategy and the present C-17 buy, current U.S. organic airlift capability falls short of requirements, even under optimistic conditions and assumptions. Army transformation will increase airlift requirements. Other aspects of the airlift equation such as material handling equipment, support personnel, thru-put capability, and infrastructure, etc. are acknowledged to be equally critical components of air mobility, and it is not the intent of this paper to marginalize them.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA389774
Entities
People
- Toben I. Rower
Organizations
- United States Army War College