Resource Costs of Supplying Power to a Battlefield
Abstract
This study develops a method for identifying the resources necessary to supply electric power to a battlefield. It applies the method to a particular military unit, the Stryker Brigade Combat Team, in 1-year and 1-month scenarios. Gen-sets currently supply most battlefield electric power, but they require considerable logistics resources, and the Army wants to become leaner and more mobile, so it is examining alternative means of power supply, such as hybrid electric vehicles. The report finds that, in the long term, the cost of power from hybrids is greater than that from gen-sets, but in the short term, it depends on the transport used to move assets to the battlefield. By air, hybrids are the less costly option, but by sea or prepositioning, gen-sets are less expensive. export power is only one feature of hybrids, however. greater vehicle fuel economy and added range (among others) add military utility The study approach applies to any medium-sized power source and other forces and scenarios. With it, one can identify the support resources required by any power-exporting technology and can estimate its per-unit costs. Thus, the report offers a means of comparing potential sources with gen-sets, hybrids, or any other power export system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA429328
Entities
People
- Michael E. Canes
Organizations
- LMI