Intratheater Airlift Functional Needs Analysis (FNA)

This functional needs analysis (FNA) is the second in a trio of documents that the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System requires for a capabilities-based assessment of intratheater airlift capabilities. Specifically, this analysis assesses the ability of current U.S. Air Force assets to deliver the airlift capabilities identified in the first document, the functional area analysis. That analysis identified three broad operational mission areas for intratheater airlift: routine sustainment; time-sensitive, mission-critical resupply; and maneuver. The FNA looks at these missions in terms of current and projected capabilities and demands. The authors use two vignettes and assorted variables to test how the systems would respond to the demands identified. This analysis highlighted concerns about airlift capacity even under existing demand levels, given an aging fleet. Possible plans to increase the reliance of ground troops on airlift are among the factors that suggest finding ways to maintain the minimum number of C-130 aircraft available is a necessary starting place.