Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for KC-135 Recapitalization: Executive Summary

Kennedy, Michael; Baldwin, Laura H.; Boito, Michael; Calef, Katherine M.; Chow, James S.; Cornuet, Joan; Eisman, Mel; Fitzmartin, Chris; Gebman, Jean R.; Ghashghai, Elham

doi:10.7249/mg495

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…Proposal C aircraft's cost was based off the 2005 Rand Study (Kennedy, 2006). Table 8 shows the total projected scenario cost for each proposal aircraft to meet the various air refueling scenarios.…”

Section: Linear Program Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Air Force's 15-year cost estimates project further significant growth through fiscal year 2017. For example, operations and support costs for the KC-135 fleet are estimated to grow from about $2.2 billion in fiscal year 2003 to $5.1 billion (2003 dollars) in fiscal year 2017, an increase of $2.9 billion, or over 130 percent, which represents an annual growth rate of about 6.2 percent (Kennedy, 2006).…”

Section: Kc-x Acquisitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Next Generation Tanker: Optimizing Air Refueling Capabilities in 2030 with a Divested KC-10 Fleet

MacDonald¹

2015

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This research develops scenarios and models to conduct analysis of alternatives for completion of various worldwide air refueling requirements with the goal of optimizing air refueling capabilities with a divested KC-10 fleet The intent of introducing the three proposed aircraft was not to advocate a specific airframe, but rather to examine different air refueling capabilities that varied the maximum fuel load available for receiver aircraft and average hourly fuel burn. While assuming a divested KC-10 fleet and a worldwide air refueling requirement of 20-50 million pounds per day, the study, using linear programming models, concluded that the Proposal C (large body) aircraft was the best selection amongst the three proposal aircraft introduced in this particular study. After examining each proposal aircraft's ability to deliver fuel to receivers under various sortie durations, the researcher also balanced the expected development and procurement costs. Proposal C aircraft was the clear preferred alternative in almost all cases. The only exception was in one scenario where Proposal B (KC-46B) aircraft was the best pick. The intent of the study was to stimulate thought while also providing Air Force leaders the requisite information to make the best informed decisions, thus shaping and molding the future construct of the Developmental Planning for the Advanced Air Refueling. Capability Concepts.

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Section: Linear Program Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Kc-x Acquisitionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Next Generation Tanker: Optimizing Air Refueling Capabilities in 2030 with a Divested KC-10 Fleet

MacDonald¹

2015

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“…As one example of how some AoAs have already focused on military objectives rather than simplistic metrics, the RAND Corporation's 2006 AoA for KC-135 recapitalization expressed the cost-per-effect concept in similar terms: "The most 'cost-effective' alternative means precisely the alternative whose effectiveness meets the military aerial refueling requirement at the lowest cost." 9 The study explicitly did not consider simpler metrics, such as cost-per-flighthour or cost-per-aircraft, in recommending a course of action for the modernization of the aerial refueling tanker fleet. From this standpoint, the call for cost-per-effect analysis can be understood not as one to develop novel study approaches but rather to apply current best practices across all force development analysis.…”

Section: The Initial Case For Cost-per-effect Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

An Enterprise Cost-Effectiveness Approach to Decisionmaking: Improving Analytic Support to Senior Defense Leaders

2022

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“…Literature background Over the past decade, financial limitations and energy constraints have forced AMC to fundamentally alter its energy awareness and operating practices. A Research and Development (RAND) study (Kennedy et al, 2006) investigation stated that "over the next 50 years, fuel reserves [will] continue to be depleted and as supplies diminish, prices will escalate and availability will become less certain both home and abroad." Given the anticipated fiscal and energy constraints facing the DoD, AMC has adopted and sustained fuel-savings initiatives.…”

Section: Objectivementioning

confidence: 99%

Modified C-17 taxi procedures: a fuel cost savings exploration

Wells

Kretser

Hazen

et al. 2020

JDAL

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Purpose This study aims to explore the viability of using C-17 reduced-engine taxi procedures from a cost savings and capability perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study model expected engine fuel flow based on the number of operational engines, aircraft gross weight (GW) and average aircraft groundspeed. Using this model, the research executes a cost savings simulation estimating the expected annual savings produced by the proposed taxi methodology. Operational and safety risks are also considered. Findings The results indicate that significant fuel and costs savings are available via the employment of reduced-engine taxi procedures. On an annual basis, the mobility air force has the capacity to save approximately 1.18 million gallons of jet fuel per year ($2.66m in annual fuel costs at current rates) without significant risk to operations. The two-engine taxi methodology has the ability to generate capable taxi thrust for a maximum GW C-17 with nearly zero risks. Research limitations/implications This research was limited to C-17 procedures and efficiency improvements specifically, although it suggests that other military aircraft could benefit from these findings as is evident in the commercial airline industry. Practical implications This research recommends coordination with the original equipment manufacturer to rework checklists and flight manuals, development of a fleet-wide training program and evaluation of future aircraft recapitalization requirements intended to exploit and maximize aircraft surface operation savings. Originality/value If implemented, the proposed changes would benefit the society as government resources could be spent elsewhere and the impact on the environment would be reduced. This research conducted a rigorous analysis of the suitability of implementing a civilian airline’s best practice into US Air Force operations.

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Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for KC-135 Recapitalization: Executive Summary

Cited by 4 publications

References 0 publications

Next Generation Tanker: Optimizing Air Refueling Capabilities in 2030 with a Divested KC-10 Fleet

Next Generation Tanker: Optimizing Air Refueling Capabilities in 2030 with a Divested KC-10 Fleet

An Enterprise Cost-Effectiveness Approach to Decisionmaking: Improving Analytic Support to Senior Defense Leaders

Modified C-17 taxi procedures: a fuel cost savings exploration

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