Air Mobility Plan, 2008 - The Black Vault

Special Operations Roadmap
Special Operations Roadmap
OPR: AMC/A3D
MAF Capability Statement
Provide airlift capability to execute clandestine special operations missions while extending the range
of special operations with air refueling. Conduct worldwide operations in adverse weather and hostile
threat conditions with special operations aircraft.
Assessment
AMC and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) provide
mobility for special operations activities with the long-range airlift
capability of C-17, C-5, EC-130J, and MC-130E/H/P/W aircraft.
AFSOC also provides short-range MH-53s and CV-22s. Fully
fielding the CV-22 will significantly improve AFSOC’s mobility
capability. Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) provide support
with MH-47s and MH-60s. Refueling support for fixed-wing
special operation aircraft is provided by KC-135 special operations
air refueling aircraft. Refueling support of rotary-winged aircraft is
accomplished by MC-130E/H/P/W aircraft. Given that C-17 aircraft
have the inherent capability to transport outsized/oversized cargo
over strategic distances, we have equipped them specifically for the
special operations mission. Both the C-17 and KC-135 have proven
their ability to perform the special operations mission. Both aircraft
have been equipped with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) voice/data
capability. The C-17 was built with night vision goggle-compatible
cockpit lighting systems, and special operations aircrew procedures have been well tested and
approved for use. Aircraft modifications are ongoing to retrofit the C-17 fleet with a night visioncompatible
cargo compartment and exterior lighting and the KC-135 community is in the initial stages
of modifying its special operations air refueling aircraft with an NVG-compatible boom station and
external lighting. Aircrew members must receive intensive, highly specialized, and frequent training
to be a part of the special operations team.
The Road Ahead
Enabling capabilities that will significantly assist us in performing the special operations mission
include improved aircraft defensive systems, adaptable electronic warfare jamming systems,
detection awareness, detection avoidance systems, threat avoidance, aircrew situational awareness,
and an autonomous approach and landing capability. We recognize the challenges of operating in a
chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environment, including the ability to transload/
onload cargo and passengers between “dirty” and “clean”
locations. Significant work has been accomplished in
this area over the last 5 years, but more is necessary if
mobility forces are to operate following employment
of these weapons. The capabilities listed above are not
just SOF-unique, and are addressed as deficiencies for
all combat delivery MAF forces in the Airlift Roadmap
of this Master Plan. However, the capabilities described
above should be given priority on special operations
MAF assets since the SOF mission is generally exposed
to the highest threat levels.
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OCT 07