Distributed Operations in a Contested Environment: Implications for USAF Force Presentation

Abstract

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Cost Analysis of Optimized Islanded Energy Systems in a Dispersed Air Base Conflict

“…To demonstrate the unique capabilities of the HERDS model, a case study was analyzed utilizing a drop-in base with 300 assigned personnel at Clark Air Base, Philippines. This size base was chosen because the personnel there will be using expeditionary equipment and will likely utilize fabric shelters [2]. Given the camp population and facility requirements, access to prepositioned fuel sources is unlikely, and leadership will have to prioritize the fuel they have available to primarily support flight line operations.…”

“…In order to represent this within HOMER's NPC calculations, a discount rate of 0.01% was used. Finally, the HES equipment, once transported to Clark Air Base, will continue to be utilized for the duration of operations [2]. A project lifespan of 15 years was used to model the utilization of the components until failure.…”

“…Equation (2). Cumulative heat transmission coefficient, where x i is the thickness of the physical layer, and k i is the thermal conductance of the material.…”

“…In an armed conflict with near-peer adversaries, air superiority will be contested; therefore, forces may need to be on constant alert within the contested airspace. To mitigate risk in a near-peer conflict, the RAND Corporation proposed that the Air Force employ a dispersed air base concept that involves conducting operations from many smaller air bases [2]. This strategy will allow the Air Force to set up and operate in one location and rapidly move operations before the base is targeted for attack.…”

“…HERDS is a MATLAB-based model that incorporates outputs from HOMER and an aircraft selection model (ASM) [29,30]. The ASM is used to optimize the use of mobility aircraft, such as the C-130J-30, C-17A, and the C-5A, to transport expeditionary equipment from prepositioned theater storage sites to drop locations [2,30]. The result is a model that enables the identification of the most cost-effective HES for a fabric shelter base at any geographic location.…”