Accession Number:

ADA193583

Title:

Enhancing Survivability of Strategic Airlift Assets.

Descriptive Note:

Student rept.,

Corporate Author:

AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLL MAXWELL AFB AL

Personal Author(s):

• Olson, Robert D.

Report Date:

1988-04-01

Pagination or Media Count:

39.0

Abstract:

The purpose of this report is to provide the reader with an awareness of various methods to improve the survivability of strategic airlift aircraft in a hostile environment. The existing shortfall in strategic airlift capability is well documented. Several studies have demonstrated the aircraft that comprise this already inadequate transportation system are excessively vulnerable to hositle fire. It is imperative steps be taken to ensure the survival during war of a sufficient portion of the existing fleet to accomplish the airlift mission. The Air Force must implement the following changes to improve airlift survivability and maintain lift capability. First, airlift operational doctrine needs to be reviewed and updated. Second, specific intertheater airlift requirements must be studied in detail and collected in a single document, as has been done for intratheater requirements. Third, the recommendations of the Military Airlift Survivability Study should be implemented. Fourth, alternatives to the airframe retirements without replacement proposed by the Air Lift Master Plan should be explored. Finally, the Combat Aircrew Training program should be expanded to include annual ground refresher training and greater combat realism in flying sorties.

Descriptors:

• *AIRLIFT OPERATIONS
• *SURVIVABILITY
• *TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT
• AIR FORCE
• ENEMY
• ENVIRONMENTS
• FLIGHT
• FLIGHT CREWS
• FLIGHT TRAINING
• INTERNAL
• MILITARY AIRCRAFT
• MILITARY TRAINING
• MISSIONS
• REQUIREMENTS
• STRATEGIC WARFARE
• SURVIVAL(GENERAL)
• THEATER LEVEL OPERATIONS
• VULNERABILITY
• AIR FORCE PLANNING

Subject Categories:

• Transport Aircraft
• Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE