A Methodology to Reduce Aerospace Ground Equipment Requirements for an Air Expeditionary Force

For many years the US military has maintained a significant overseas presence. Changes in the international political landscape has led to military reductions, particularly in this overseas military presence. To meet increased deployment demands from US-based stations the US Air Force is restructuring to accommodate an Expeditionary Aerospace Force (EAF) concept. As the United States Air Force evolves into an EAF using tailored combat force packages to meet specific threats, the requisite support functions for the deployed forces will garner increasing attention. We propose and examine a simulation-based methodology for examining options to reduce the amount of support equipment deployed with a tailored force. The simulation model is based on aircraft system failures and the ensuing maintenance actions. These maintenance actions drive the utilisation of aerospace ground equipment used to support aircraft maintenance. Support equipment deployment levels are re-examined using expected equipment utilisation rates while the risk to combat capability is quantified. Specific deployment support options examined include maintenance restrictions, just-in-time delivery of support equipment and the potential impact of proposed consolidated, or multifunction support equipment. Impacts on airlift requirements are estimated for each strategy examined.