Probe And Drogue Aerial Refueling Requirements: How Will Air Force Special Operations Command Meet Future Demands?
Abstract
The demands placed on Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) aerial refueling tankers have outpaced United States Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) ability to organize, train, and equip the current forces to accomplish their mission. This paper asks the question "How will AFSOC meet the requirements for helicopter aerial refueling in the 2007 to 2012 timeframe?" In order to place this question in context a short history of USSOCOM, AFSOC, and helicopter aerial refueling is presented first, Then this paper evaluates the predicted security environment of 2007 to 2012 and the expected shortfalls in AFSOC tanker capabilities The need to "go deep with precision" is explored, as well as expected solutions to tanker shortages Suggestions for improvement to the predicted situation include accelerating the refueling modification of the MC-130H aircraft and purchasing 28 additional aircraft to increase the number of tanker assets, Secondly, the MC-130P should be modified with additional defensive equipment to transition to a "penetrating tanker" status since they are already conducting operations over enemy territory with increased risk, Also, changes to the planning and coordination process are suggested to increase the efficiency and quality of planning for future tanker aircraft, Lastly, it is suggested that SOF and Rescue forces are combined in the future to produce a single air manager for all probe and drogue operations, These improvements will increase the flexibility and decrease the occurrence of tanker limitations on future USSOCOM operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA420495
Entities
People
- John S. Shapland
Organizations
- Air University