Over the Pole: A Fuel Efficiency Analysis of Employing Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for Polar Route Utilization
Abstract
The goal of this research is to determine which current US C-17A base is situated in the best geographic location to quickly and simultaneously support the Areas of Responsibility of Pacific Command, European Command and Central Command while providing the maximum cargo throughput in the most fuel efficient manner. The researcher hypothesizes that Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson sits close to the potentially under-utilized polar route structure which could deliver fuel efficiencies. The research focused on the fuel efficiency rating of cargo missions originating from 6 US C-17A bases en route to numerous validated channel mission destinations. A maximum payload fuel efficiency rating is calculated by running each origin/destination pair through a Route Analyzer model. A weighted frequency based maximum payload fuel efficiency rating is then calculated by using a P-center location theory model ranking the 6 US bases by their overall score. Based on the assumptions of this research, the analysis shows that Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is the ideal location to stage C-17A airlift operations in order to efficiently reach the most destinations in Pacific Command, European Command and Central Command from the same origin due to its proximity to the polar route structure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA602550
Entities
People
- Hugh P. Sponseller
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology