Air Refueling: The Cornerstone of Global Reach - Global Power

摘要

This paper focuses on the strategic mobility aspect of Global Reach- Global Power, and more specifically the role of air refueling in accomplishing the U.S. power projection strategy. No aircraft in the Air Force inventory is capable of responsive global power projection without air refueling. The Air Force's tanker fleet is the cornerstone of Global Reach-Global Power. Air refueling serves as a force multiplier, increasing the speed, range, lethality, flexibility, and versatility of combat aircraft. The paper looks at the roots of air power doctrine, the need for range extension, and the growing importance of mobility to warfare. The paper goes into some detail outlining the development of air refueling, from wing walkers packing gasoline cans, to the development of the KC-135, and the birth of Global Reach-Global Power doctrine. The study examines the expansion of the tanker mission from primarily strategic bomber support, to its multi-mission role in Operation Desert Storm, supporting virtually every fixed-wing asset in the Air Force inventory. Finally, the paper presents ten propositions regarding air refueling: (1) Air refueling enhances air power's inherent strengths. (2) Air refueling mitigates air power's inherent weaknesses. (3) Air refueling serves as a force multiplier. (4) Air refueling aircraft are high value strategic assets. (5) Air refueling operations require local air superiority. (6) The number of tankers required depends on theater basing, tempo, and threat. (7) Tanker assets should not be based near the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA). (8) During air bridge operations, 'fuel in the air' is the limiting factor. (9) During tactical aircraft employment 'booms in the air' becomes the limiting factor. (10) Air refuelable tankers enhance air refueling efficiency.