Evaluating the C-17 Semi-Prepared Runway Capability - An Off-Road Map

摘要

The Army and Air Force jointly satisfy the Defense Planning Guidance requirement for forcible entry into non-permissible environments through Strategic Brigade Airdrop (SBA). The C-17 is the aircraft of choice for the SBA due to its outsized cargo carrying capacity, unlimited range due to air refueling, and short landing capability. When performed solely by the C-17, the SBA consists of 53 airdrop (Alpha Echelon) and 48 airland (Bravo Echelon) sorties to deliver the XVIII Airborne Division's Ready Brigade-Medium. This paper focuses on the challenges of delivering the Bravo Echelon to a single semi-prepared runway (SPR) within the 20-hour window, a capability the C-17 has yet to demonstrate. The yet-to-be-resolved issues include the ability of SPRs to support the weight of the C-17, the inaccuracy of takeoff and landing data, and the inability to predict the ability of targeted SPRs to support intended operations. While these issues have not yet proven insurmountable, they do provide formidable challenges which will require a concerted effort by all agencies involved in order to make the Strategic Brigade Airdrop Mission a credible deterrent and one which military commanders will be willing to employ. This paper highlights the issues and provides a roadmap for transforming concept into reality.