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Tanker Aircraft

Report
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.
Sep 4, 2019
Report
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.
Mar 9, 2016
Commentary
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.
Sep 16, 2015
Commentary
Peacetime Fuel 'Tankering' Could Save $25 Million Per Year
Fuel tankering is 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 like Afghanistan is almost always cost-effective, but the story is more complex elsewhere due to how fuel is purchased and resold within the DoD itself.
May 4, 2015
Commentary
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.
Sep 6, 2013
Commentary
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.
May 20, 2013
Research Brief
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.
Jul 30, 2012
Report
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.
Jul 30, 2012
News Release
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.
Jul 29, 2012
Report
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.
Feb 25, 2011
Report
Should the U.S. Air Force Modernize Its Refueling Fleet to Meet Upcoming Mandates?
The U.S. Air Force's KC-10 air refueling fleet has been in service for 25 years without a major avionics upgrade. Without modernization, the KC-10 will not be in compliance with upcoming air traffic management mandates regulating the minimum allowed communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities.
Oct 14, 2009
Research Brief
A New Tool Forecasts Programmed Depot Maintenance Workloads for Aging Aircraft
This research brief describes a new tool for forecasting the maintenance workloads of aging Air Force fleets.
May 22, 2007
Research Brief
Analysis of Alternatives for Recapitalizing the Air Force's KC-135 Aerial Refueling Tanker
This research brief describes an analysis that assessed alternatives for recapitalization of the ageing KC-135 air tanker fleet.
Mar 9, 2006
Report
Alternatives for Recapitalizing Aging Aerial Refueling Tankers
Aerial refueling tankers play a critical role in U.S. military and national security strategy, but the KC-135 fleet is nearing 50 years of age and has exhibited some technical difficulties and increased costs. Alternatives are needed for recapitalizing the tanker force.
Mar 6, 2006
Research Brief
The Mission Day: A New Metric to Evaluate Peacetime Demands on Mobility Air Forces
RAND Project AIR FORCE (PAF) has developed a new metric that measures how much mobility air forces (MAF) manpower is available for peacetime engagement missions after training requirements, quality-of-life standards, and other needs have been met.
Nov 25, 2005
Report
Multipoint Aerial Refueling: A Review and Assessment
The work described in this documented briefing reviews five studies to determine whether any general conclusions may be drawn regarding the merits of multipoint aerial refueling.
Jan 1, 1996
Report
A Two-Way Controlled Sample for Collecting Tanker Aircraft Base Maintenance Information
A description from the statistical viewpoint of the sampling design, selection of estimators, and preliminary analysis of maintenance data on KC-135 tanker aircraft of the Strategic Air Command, collected in June-July 1967.
Jan 1, 1969

RAND Topic:
Tanker Aircraft

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