Aircraft Regeneration: A Key Force Structure Concept for Transition into theTwenty-First Century

摘要

The most fundamental guideline for equipping the United States Air Force is thatthe unique flexibility of airpower must be preserved so that it can be exploited when required. The end of the Cold War, perceived 'peace dividends,' and the realities of a declining military budget have created a situation that has been encountered previously only at the end of major conflicts such as World War I, World War II, Korean War and Viet Nam War. This situation is a possible excess of mission-capable aircraft. In the past we have retired, sold, and destroyed most of our excess forces. The process of developing and procuring new weapon systems is lengthy and costly. Therefore, we need to change the way that we manage our aircraft inventory. Although the report concentrates on the concept of aircraft regeneration, the principles of regeneration apply to space systems, support equipment, vehicles, material handling equipment, missiles, and communications-electronics systems.