Fleet Sustainment and the Fiscal Impact of Contracting Red Air

Abstract

This article examines the potential impact to the government from the use of contractor aircraft to fly aggressor sorties. Results of research show that the burden on the government sustainment base will be eased by using contract aircraft instead of government aircraft to fly aggressor sorties. Specifically, the authors posit that using contract aircraft instead of certain fourth-generation and all fifth-generation aircraft is more cost effective. They also examine the maintenance and sustainment impact resulting from this finding. Finally, the article concludes with recommendations on when and why the use of contract versus organic capability is more cost effective.