Air Mobility Plan, 2008 - The Black Vault

Emerging infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), and directed energy weapons will put future mobility
operations at risk; improved aircraft designs or more effective countermeasures will be necessary
to operate our aircraft in low- or selected medium-threat conditions. The Large Aircraft Infrared
Countermeasures (LAIRCM) program has proven itself, and we will continue the planned
modifications to improve the survivability of mobility aircraft.
The effectiveness of the C-17 will increase with the full implementation of the dual-row airdrop
system, and an improved instrument meteorology conditions (IMC) formation capability will improve
strategic brigade airdrop operations.
Today, onboard C-130 radar systems and the C-17
computer approach systems provide some capability
to conduct approaches into airfields without
dependency on ground-based navigation aids.
However, neither system permits operations in
near zero-zero weather conditions; more capable,
autonomous aircraft approach and landing systems
will allow us to operate unrestricted at any airfield,
regardless of the availability of ground-based
navigation aids, airfield markings, and approach/
runway lighting. Unit deployment times could drop rapidly with the increase in the number of
usable airfields in the objective area, and the combat resupply of units will become much more
responsive than today.
We need to aggressively develop and field the equipment and procedures to permit the airlift system to
operate following the employment of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) weapons
(see 2008 C-CBRN Roadmap).
Recapitalizing our legacy materials handling equipment (MHE) fleet of 40K and 25K loaders with
Tunners and Halvorsens was a good step forward; but offloading techniques, without the use of MHE,
will improve our combat capability. Automated cargo loading/unloading will reduce our need to move
MHE into forward fields for cargo handling and produce an overall increase in system velocity. Lastly,
the MAF lacks the capability to efficiently
move cargo within the Defense Transportation
System without rehandling cargo when it moves
from one mode of transportation to another.
The use of standardized shipping containers
will decrease the need for reconfiguring bulk
cargo loads to fit the cargo compartments
of individual aircraft types and produce an
increase in cargo movement velocity.
Improved command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems, to include
data link integration, true secure global communications, and a responsive intransit visibility capability,
are necessary for the cargo mobility system to be truly effective. As the concept of net-centricity
matures, system interoperability will become the standard.
The phased solutions to our airlift capability needs are planned to the next 25 years and are reflected in
the milestones below. The short-term milestones reflect the presence of funded, mature programs that
are ready for fielding. Milestones that are planned for the out-years are based upon technologically
feasible capabilities that are not funded in the current Program Objective Memorandum (POM), or
are based on other capabilities that may require additional research or study before final adaptation
by the MAF.
Airlift Roadmap
OCT 07 33