PPT Slide
Quantity: Mass-produced 747s sit unused in U.S. southwest desert un-economical for daily airline use; can be modified/leased with Roll-On/Roll-Off(RO/RO) vehicle capabilities inexpensively to meet IMMEDIATE year 2002 U.S. defense need to deliver decisive Army ground maneuver IBCTs anywhere in world in 96 hours; 50 cargo 747s (C-33s) pre-loaded with Army IBCT vehicles in fly-away condition creates winged “Army Prepositioned Set-6” (APS-6); airborne version of APS-3 sealift. AF is retiring entire C-141B fleet with t-tails/rear ramps for parachute airdrop, C-5As too old to maintain/fly daily in limbo; preserve a portion of this airlift capability by reduced use. Both C-5As and C-141Bs have strategic range and mid-air refuel capable. 50 x Cargo 747s deliver 1,273 short tons/day.
Quality: 747s can fly 6 x M113A3 or 20 x Wiesel-2 or 10 x BV-206S type AFVs or 400+ troops to extreme long ranges (8,000 miles) non-stop without refueling; large pool of U.S. airline pilots available to fly APS-6, AF bases and Yuma Proving Ground for airdrop in low-humidity SW U.S. available for APS-6 and monthly training flights
Conclusion, AF: Transfer 25 x C-141Bs and USAFR crews to APS-6 to airdrop a pre-loaded Battalion M113A3 AFV package to the assault echelon at the Drop Zone and 25 x C-5As/USAFR crews to fly Army CH-47F/UH-60L/M helicopters to the 747-capable ISB to shuttle FOE Army IBCT vehicles/men to the Assault Zone. Investment in 10 x KC-33A tankers for APS-6 begins process to replace retiring KC-135Rs.
Conclusion, Army: Majority of IBCT combat vehicles must be no heavier than 16 tons and be TRACKED to not damage 747 floors, save $ by upgrading existing M113 Gavins frees funds to modify/lease APS-6 cargo 747s and buy M8 AGS light tanks w/band tracks, UH-60 transportable AFVs (M973A2 BV-206S or Wiesel 2s)