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Report

Nov 21, 2023

Improving Acquisition and Sustainment Outcomes for Military Commercial Derived Aircraft: The KC-46A Pegasus Experience

The authors of this report examine improvement in acquisition and sustainment of commercial derivative aircraft using a case study of the KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker.
Report

Sep 4, 2019

The tanKer Aerial Refueling Model for Analysis (KARMA)

This report describes the algorithms used in the tanKer Air Refueling Model for Analysis (KARMA) and explains how to use the model. KARMA simulates the extent to which a tanker force can aerially refuel combat aircraft in a denied environment.
Report

Mar 9, 2016

Consolidating Air Force Maintenance Occupational Specialties

This report examines the cost and readiness implications of consolidating maintenance occupational specialties for new and legacy mobility fleets. Implications are derived from an assessment conducted for the KC-135 fleet.
Commentary

Sep 16, 2015

Lessons from the Past for the Future of the KC-46A

Analysis suggests that fixed-price contracts have not successfully reduced costs to the DoD associated with developing complex weapon systems. This has implications for the Air Force, given the importance of the ongoing KC-46A program.
Commentary

May 4, 2015

Peacetime Fuel 'Tankering' Could Save $25 Million Per Year

Fuel tankering involves carrying excess fuel on an aircraft when flying from origins where fuel is less expensive than at the destination. Tankering fuel to a conflict zone such as Afghanistan is almost always cost-effective, but the story is more complex in other regions because of the way fuel is purchased and resold within the DoD itself.
Commentary

Sep 6, 2013

The Desirability of 'Free' C-27s for the U.S. Forest Service

Although we believe that a scooper-centric firefighting aircraft portfolio for initial attack would still be preferred, Air Force-provided 1,850-gallon C-27Js could be a cost-effective component of the retardant-bearing portion of the Forest Service's airborne firefighting arsenal, write Edward G. Keating and Daniel M. Norton.
Commentary

May 20, 2013

Firefighting Aircraft: Is Bigger Better?

An aircraft's capacity and speed largely determine the rate at which water or retardant can be applied to a fire. Very large air tankers (VLATs) certainly have the capacity to apply large amounts of fluids to a fire, but because of the distances travelled they may not be able to get a second load very quickly.
News Release

Jul 30, 2012

U.S. Forest Service Should Consider a Different Mix of Aircraft to Fight Wildfires

The U.S. Forest Service should upgrade its large airborne firefighting fleet to include more amphibious scooper aircraft, with air tankers and helicopters in a supporting role during the initial attack of fires before they become large.
Research Brief

Jul 30, 2012

Identifying a Cost-Effective Aviation Fleet for the U.S. Forest Service

This brief provides an overview of a RAND study to support the U.S. Forest Service in determining the composition of a fleet of airtankers, scoopers, and helicopters that would minimize the total social costs of wildfires.
Report

Jul 30, 2012

Air Attack Against Wildfires: Understanding U.S. Forest Service Requirements for Large Aircraft

A RAND study sought to help the U.S. Forest Service determine the composition of a fleet of airtankers, scoopers, and helicopters that would minimize the total social costs of wildfires, including the cost of large fires and aircraft costs.
Report

Feb 25, 2011

Upgrading the Extender: Which Options Are Cost-Effective for Modernizing the KC-10?

The Air Force is considering upgrades to the KC-10 in several areas. An assessment of options to upgrade the KC-10 weighed the costs and potential benefits of the upgrades against demands in different types of operations and KC-10 roles.
Report

Oct 14, 2009

Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Modernizing the KC-10 to Meet Global Air Traffic Management Mandates

Without modernization, the U.S. Air Force's KC-10 air refueling fleet will not be in compliance with upcoming worldwide air traffic mandates. An analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the required KC-10 upgrades revealed a net cost avoidance.

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