Vol2ch04

Airlift 2025:
The First with the Most
A Research Paper
Presented To
Air Force 2025
by
Lt Col James A. Fellows
LCDR Michael H. Harner
Maj Jennifer L. Pickett
Maj Michael F. Welch
August 1996

Disclaimer
2025 is a study designed to comply with a directive from the chief of staff of the Air
Force to examine the concepts, capabilities, and technologies the United States will
require to remain the dominant air and space force in the future. Presented on 17 June
1996, this report was produced in the Department of Defense school environment of
academic freedom and in the interest of advancing concepts related to national defense.
The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not reflect the official
policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the United
States government.
This report contains fictional representations of future situations/scenarios. Any
similarities to real people or events, other than those specifically cited, are unintentional
and are for purposes of illustration only.
This publication has been reviewed by security and policy review authorities, is
unclassified, and is cleared for public release.

Contents
Chapter Page
Disclaimer................................................................................................................ ii
Illustrations ............................................................................................................. iv
Tables ...................................................................................................................... v
Executive Summary................................................................................................ vi
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
2 Required Capabilities .............................................................................................. 3
Customer............................................................................................................. 4
Required Attributes ............................................................................................ 7
Point of Use Delivery and Extraction............................................................ 8
Long Unrefueled Range................................................................................. 9
Total Resource Visibility................................................................................ 9
Survivability................................................................................................. 10
Intermodality................................................................................................ 12
Modularity ................................................................................................... 12
Interoperability ............................................................................................ 13
Responsiveness ............................................................................................ 13
Cost.............................................................................................................. 14
Other Considerations ................................................................................... 15
3 System Description................................................................................................ 18
Transatmospheric (TAVs) and Hypersonic Vehicles................................... 18
Supersonic Transport ................................................................................... 19
Airships ........................................................................................................ 22
In-Ground Effect Wings .............................................................................. 24
Very Large Aircraft ..................................................................................... 26
Delivery Vehicles.............................................................................................. 28
Unpowered Delivery Systems...................................................................... 29
Powered Delivery Systems .......................................................................... 31
Additional Equipment....................................................................................... 40
Cargo Containers ......................................................................................... 40
Onboard Materiel-Handling Equipment ...................................................... 41
iii

Chapter Page
Recommendations ............................................................................................ 42
4 Concept Of Operations.......................................................................................... 47
In CONUS......................................................................................................... 49
En Route........................................................................................................... 50
In-Theater ......................................................................................................... 51
Aeromedical Evacuation .................................................................................. 53
Survivability...................................................................................................... 54
Presence............................................................................................................ 55
Special Handling Requirements........................................................................ 55
5 Conclusion............................................................................................................. 57
Bibliography .......................................................................................................... 61
Illustrations
Figure Page
2-1 Horizontal and Vertical Problem. ............................................................................ 5
2-2 Responsiveness...................................................................................................... 14
3-1 Large Cargo Airship .............................................................................................. 23
3-2 Conceptual Wingship ............................................................................................ 25
3-3 Very Large Aircraft ............................................................................................... 26
3-4 Parafoil Delivery System....................................................................................... 30
3-5 NAL Jump Jet........................................................................................................ 34
iv

Tables
Table Page
1 Measures of Capability............................................................................................ 7
2 Summary of System Options ................................................................................. 43
3 Required Technologies .......................................................................................... 58
v

Executive Summary
Power projection is critically dependent on mobility forces. The air mobility system
should be capable of supporting national objectives from humanitarian, nonhostile
operations through armed conflict. Because of operational constraints that include
evolving threats and reduced external infrastructure, the airlift system in the year 2025
should be independent of theater-basing structure. International political changes will
likely necessitate the basing of most, if not all, US military forces in the continental
United States (CONUS). However, this will not end the requirement for a global US
presence. Although the probability of direct foreign military threats to our interests may
be slight, Air Mobility Command (AMC), the air transportation arm of US Transportation
Command, must be prepared to conduct global air mobility on a daily basis. In addition,
AMC must continue to support humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in both benign
and hostile environments. These expanding requirements demand attention. This paper
proposes technologically feasible concepts to meet the air mobility requirements posed by
probable US national objectives in the year 2025. The employment and integration of
technologies that exist today, along with those that will develop by the year 2025, will
allow the concepts proposed in this paper to meet future needs.
A number of assumptions were made to narrow the focus of this paper. First, the
recommendations herein assume no traditional intratheater airlift capability. This
assumption addresses a worst case scenario and drives our requirement of direct delivery
vi

from CONUS to the war fighter. A corollary to this assumption is the belief that the
availability of overseas basing will continue to decline, thus necessitating long unrefueled
ranges, limited materiel on ground, and the decreased utility of Civil Reserve Air Fleet
(CRAF) assets. Secondly, this paper assumes that any lift capability extraneous to
traditional air-breathing platforms is the purview of other Air Force 2025 projects.
Therefore, our primary concern with other lift assets is the intermodality and
interoperability between systems in an overarching logistics framework.
Considering technologies that should be available in the year 2025, several possible
systems are evaluated for their applicability and usefulness to the airlift mission. Of
these, a combination of large airships and both powered and unpowered unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) delivery platforms appear to provide the greatest utility.1 This system,
operating in conjunction with existing airframes, will use a greatly improved command,
control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) system to provide clear and
continuous command and control as well as direct communication with the customer. In-transit
visibility will provide the user/war fighter invaluable insight and enhance his
operational capability. Communication with the user/war fighter will also provide for the
delivery of personnel and equipment directly where needed within 10 meters of the
target. System costs will adversely affect the development of any new system, therefore,
the Air Force will be required to depend on research, development, and production in the
vii
civil sector.
Notes
1 Throughout this paper the term “unmanned” will be used vice “uninhabited.” For
our purposes, vehicles are unmanned.

Chapter 1
Introduction
No matter how good the armed forces are, they are of no value if they
cannot be in the right place at the right time and in the right numbers to
get results.
1
—Adm James R. Hogg, USN
“Reinforcing Crisis Areas”
The single biggest deficiency in the Department of Defense is lift.
—Gen Ronald R. Fogleman, CSAF
Address to Air Force 2025 Participants
With the successful end of the cold war and the achievements of Operation Desert
Storm, the United States armed forces find themselves firmly established as the world’s
preeminent military force. These successes have led to an increased willingness by the
national command authorities (NCA) to deploy forces throughout the world to meet
national objectives. Plausible future scenarios indicate an increase in this tendency for
involvement.1 A dilemma exists, however, and threatens to undermine America’s military
strength even while the evidence of that strength is undeniable. That dilemma is air
mobility. The current air mobility system will not support the air logistics requirements
we are likely to face in 2025.

This paper addresses this dilemma. Through an analysis of the capabilities required
by the air mobility customer in the year 2025, the required attributes of the air mobility
system are identified. A system and concept of operations are then proposed that will
best meet customer needs while employing systems and technologies currently in
development and those that will be available by the year 2025. Our thesis is that the air
mobility concepts proposed in this paper, in conjunction with the employment and
integration of innovative technologies and systems, will allow the United States to
2
adequately meet future national objectives.
Notes
1 Lt Col Robert L. Bivins et al., “2025 Alternate Futures,” unpublished white paper,
Air University, n.d. This paper outlines possible future scenarios for the 2025 project.

Chapter 2
Required Capabilities
The United States requires an air mobility capability to deploy robust and flexible
military forces that can accomplish a variety of tasks. These tasks include deterring and
defeating aggression, providing a credible overseas presence, countering weapons of mass
destruction, contributing to peace operations (multilateral and unilateral), and supporting
counterterrorism efforts. This capability will still be necessary in 2025, but the air
mobility system must be carefully developed and nurtured.
In the past, the US military failed to maintain the airlift capability required to meet
identified requirements.1 Even today, concerns remain as to whether our airlift capability
can meet the increasing number of requirements. “Military officials admit that even if
they can buy as many C-17s as the Air Force wants, there will still be a need for more
airlift as the US withdraws from bases overseas.”2 The pending retirement of the C-5,
C-141, and much of the C-130 fleets, the aging of remaining air mobility assets, and the
requirement to replace the aforementioned in what are likely to be austere economic
conditions, are among the challenges facing the air mobility system. To meet these
challenges, an analysis of the customers, their needs, and the attributes required of the air
3

mobility system of 2025 is necessary and serves as the foundation upon which any future
4
airlift system should be built.
Customer
The military airlift system supports attaining national objectives continuously through
all levels of conflict. “The primary responsibility [sic] of America’s military is to deter
potential adversaries or fight and win wars decisively.”3 To meet these responsibilities,
the airlift system supports the following: US military and civilian agencies, allies, friendly
and other foreign governments, multinational organizations, nongovernmental
organizations, private volunteer organizations, and other entities deemed necessary to
support national objectives. Due to the unique air mobility capabilities of the United
States, it is often the only option for meeting these customers’ air mobility needs.4
In meeting the needs of the customer, the airlift system must address two primary
problems. The first is the horizontal problem of getting personnel and materiel from their
locations to the theater of operations in a timely fashion. The second is the vertical
problem of transferring personnel and materiel between the airlift platform and surface
mediums. It will be imperative for war fighters to access an efficient system to have
materiel delivered directly to the battle area in a time-sensitive manner.

CONUS Theater/Battlespace
5
horizontal
problem
vertical
problem
Figure 2-1 Horizontal and Vertical Problem.
The airlift system is composed of internal systems including airlift platforms,
infrastructure, and payload operations control. These systems must merge with both
commercial and military land, sea, and space lift systems to provide continuous mobility
support. In providing this support, airlift operations will employ a variety of platforms. To
best serve the airlift customer, it is imperative that these platforms be part of a seamless
mobility system capable of operating throughout the spectrum of conflict.
History has frequently shown the need for deploying forces in a timely fashion over
great distances and in sufficient numbers to achieve a credible numerical advantage.
Currently, personnel and materiel are not only deployed to theater staging bases but are

also transshipped to the employment locati on. In the past, the US has been able to create
a “safe” theater transshipment infrastructure. However, it is a slow, labor-intensive
process to move personnel and materiel from the strategic to tactical cargo movement
mediums for delivery to final destination. Even today, we cannot meet the battlespace
demands of immediate and direct delivery of personnel and materiel.5
By 2025, due to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction as well as the high
potential for a worldwide revolution in military affairs, there will be a drastic increase in
the speed, efficiency, and lethality of battle.6 Concomitant with these increases is the
need for rapid support to the war fighter. Modern conflict has complicated this problem
by creating a rear battle area that is much more vulnerable, thereby denying the assurance
of a safe transshipment infrastructure. According to Dr. Eliot A. Cohen, rear area
security may no longer be possible in as few as 20 years due to the “precision revolution,”
the emergence of alternative forms of air power (such as UAVs, cruise missiles, etc.), and
the changing nature of platforms resulting from the increased use of stealth, range, and
information power.7 These wartime challenges are compounded by the need to respond
to natural and man-made disasters, nation assistance, and additional operations other than
war. Meeting our nation’s complex air mobility needs in time of both conflict and peace
requires a flexible and responsive system designed to enhance the abilities of the user.
Recognizing the evolving battlefield requirements and mobility constraints, the US
Army is adapting to improve its capabilities while reducing the impact of mobility
constraints. “Force XXI will be a more resource-efficient Army, with capabilities
enhanced through information age technologies. It will allow us to project power into any
area of the world more quickly, more effectively, and with greater efficiency as part of a
6

joint effort.”8 However, Army modernization cannot overcome many inevitable
constraints. “The Army of 2010 will be based primarily in the continental United States.
While we will continue to maintain a minimal forward presence in some parts of the
world, we will depend on a combination of airlift and sealift to execute the Nation’s
strategy.”9 If the war fighter is to succeed, the airlift system must address the customers’
needs and not expect the customers to sacrifice their capabilities for the sake of
7
eliminating air mobility constraints.
Required Attributes
The air mobility system of 2025 will provide three basic functions: personnel
delivery, cargo delivery, and aeromedical evacuation (AE). To accomplish its mission,
the following air mobility system capabilities are proposed.
Table 1
Measures of Capability
Capability Measures
Point of Use Delivery within 10 meters of designated target
Long Range 12,500 miles unrefueleda
Total Resource Visibility Near-real-time information
Interoperability Standardized containers
Survivability Standoff range of 150 milesb
Threat detection/defeat within 150 miles
Infrastructure Less is better
Notes: a. Based on no in-theater basing and multiple delivery points.
b. 150 miles provides over-the-horizon protection up to 20,000 feet.

8
Point of Use Delivery and Extraction
“The giant airbases of today will become the bomber cemeteries of a future war.”10
Although the world envisioned in 1958 by General P. F. Zhigarev has altered
dramatically, the projected lack of established bases for transshipment and the
vulnerability of forward bases to diverse threats will require the capability for airlift
systems that can provide direct delivery from CONUS to the point of intended use, and
direct extraction from those operational sites without the availability of an established
support infrastructure.
“Precision airdrop is a critical Air Force capability.”11 Personnel and equipment
must be delivered with essentially pinpoint accuracy. Aircraft security can be greatly
enhanced if the airlifter can perform its delivery mission while remaining at “standoff”
range from the hostile battlespace. To best serve the war fighter, delivery accuracy of 10
meters from the intended target is required. The delivery system can be either powered
or unpowered, such as a parasail or rigid-winged glider/container (a smart box that
directs itself to a specific destination). Current systems continue to be highly inaccurate,
are susceptible to wind and altitude variances, and require the cargo aircraft to fly
through or above the threat airspace, increasing the aircraft’s vulnerability to hostile fire.
Although grossly exaggerated, a Pentagon source highlighted the need for increased
precision by stating that when “Dropped from altitudes of 10,000 ft, to stay above anti-aircraft
fire, the parachuted supplies would be lucky to hit Yugoslavia.”12 In fact,
accuracies achieved during Operation Provide Promise were significantly better than this
estimate and showed improvement throughout the operation. These improvements
however, were more in line with the 350 yards from target (when dropped from 1,100

feet) required by Air Force air-drop standards.13 These standards will not be sufficient
9
for operations in 2025.
Like delivery, extraction of cargo and personnel could occur in hostile and austere
environments with no runways available. Proposed extraction systems will allow the
airlift platform to recover personnel and materiel without landing. Because most
operations dictate retrograde at a lower rate than the actual deployment, not every
mobility platform would be required to accomplish direct extraction.
Long Unrefueled Range
Due to projected CONUS force basing in 2025, the United States may lack
established airfields in-theater for transshipment points. To project power globally,
strategic lift platforms will need an unrefueled round-trip range of at least 12,000 miles.14
This will allow deployment from CONUS bases directly to the theater of operations and
return without refueling. Air refueling will still be a requirement to increase the flexibility
of the air mobility system and allow changes to occur en route.
Total Resource Visibility
Total resource visibility (TRV) will provide visibility of all resources from acquisition
through employment to all command and control elements. Additionally, it will allow
cognizant authorities to redirect in-transit cargo and troops as needs dictate. Although
several improvements are underway, current in-transit visibility (ITV) systems can
identify in-transit payloads only by specific aircraft and mission number, and are limited
in their ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.15 During Operation Desert Shield,

the time-phased force and deployment data (TPFDD) could not identify the impact of
altering the sequence of deployment on military operations and led to detrimental
decisions without comprehensive analysis.16 The TPFDD and other Joint Operation
Planning and Execution System databases are projected to be incorporated into systems
such as the Global Command and Control System (GCCS) which will merge it with other
databases.17 Although the GCCS as currently designed will greatly enhance existing
capabilities, it will be insufficient for future TRV needs.
10
Survivability
Air mobility planners have not adequately considered the first principle of logistics of
the former Soviet Union, “The organization of the rear must reflect the character of the
war and the nature of the fighting.”18 Along with this concept, current air doctrine states
that “Logistics capabilities must be designed to survive and operate under attack; that is,
they must be designed for combat effectiveness, not peacetime efficiency.”19 Through
the year 2020, the notional strategic cargo airlift capability calculations to support
national objectives rely exclusively on large, conventional airlift platforms. These
platforms incur substantial constraints resulting from weapon system vulnerability,
infrastructure requirements, material handling equipment (MHE) needs, and other
limitations. In addition, the projections do not account for unanticipated platform
attrition, airframe gentrification, or significant forward-basing restrictions.
Increased reliance on the civil reserve air fleet (CRAF) for mobilization and
expanded commercial transport support could result in the costs of CRAF mobilization
exceeding those that are acceptable and in preventing the projection of US military

power.20 In addition, over-reliance on CRAF could hinder effective response by military
forces, resulting in interests vital to the United States being compromised. Although this
may be a very stressful scenario, it must be considered.
In an effort to address the above limitations, the airlift system must be able to project
forces into the forward battlespace. “Our vital interests—those interests for which the
United States is willing to fight—are at the endpoint of ‘highways of the seas’ or lines of
strategic approach that stretch from the United States to the farthest point on the globe.”21
Lacking secure rear areas of operation, the airlift platforms must be survivable under
11
potentially hostile circumstances.
Depending on the sophistication of the threat, the hostile environment could extend a
considerable distance from the actual battlespace.22 The size and importance of airlift
platforms present a very lucrative target to both ground and air threats. To be effective,
they must be able to detect and counter these threats either by direct active measures or
by avoidance. Also, support systems and equipment must be able to survive in hostile
environments to include those contaminated by nuclear, biological, and chemical agents.
In order to help counter the above threats, airlift platforms, direct delivery systems,
and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) must incorporate technologies such as
“low observables,” multispectral sensors, and directed energy weapons.23 According to
the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), advances in coatings, materials, and
design will lead manufacturers away from radical designs like the F-117 and B-2 shapes.
The future will see smaller, more subtle changes and aircraft designers will be able to treat
less different airframes and get equivalent performance (to today’s stealth shapes). It will

be a healthy competition between materials and coatings, at least among US
12
competitors.24
Intermodality
Intermodality is a basic requirement for airlift systems. Cargo must be configured for
direct transfer between air, land, sea, and space lift systems and operational use at
delivery destination. Because we anticipate the requirement to transport military cargo
on commercial carriers of all mediums when possible, military payload configuration must
comply with national and international standards. Through cooperative international
development, these configurations also allow direct synergistic support among operational
allied, coalition, and US forces.
Modularity
The platform payload interface will allow selected payloads to provide diverse
mission capabilities to the airlift platform. The airlift platform will be capable of
passenger, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation configurations. Additional payloads, such
as power generation, information support, or maintenance systems will primarily enhance
the airlift platform. Other payloads may include special mission configurations, such as
reconnaissance, or auxiliary capabilities such as offensive and defensive weapon systems.
Also, many special purpose operations such as psychological operations, aerial spraying,
fire fighting, and developmental test and evaluation can be supported through modular
configuration of airlift platforms. Since the airlift platform will be supporting these types

of users, it must be equipped with very robust power, oxygen, and communication
systems in the event of simultaneous taskings.
13
Interoperability
Interoperability is the capacity to seamlessly interact with all airlift system customers
and operational partners. The US mobility system will operate with commercial systems
globally and conduct multinational operations. The airlift system components will be
designed to maximize compatibility with airlift system components and payload
configurations of other government and private organizations. The development of
universal standards and compatible equipment by international transportation
organizations should eliminate most interoperability problems due to equipment and
payload.
Responsiveness
At the outset of war, time is the supreme factor. Do not let us forget that
the aggressor is also concerned with the time factor; he is ready,
otherwise he would not have provoked armed conflict; he inevitably
hopes and plans for a quick decision, since no one would wish for a long
war if it could be avoided; moreover he wants a decision before his
opponent has had time to turn his capacity into the new activities which
war calls for.
— Lord Tedder
Responsiveness alludes to timeliness. It is the ability to deliver personnel and
materiel exactly when and where the user requires them. Although speed from point A to
point B is important, it is of little use if arrival time at the battlefield is delayed by
repackaging or transshipment. In light of this, airlift needs a faster shipment “system” as

much or more than faster aircraft (Fig. 2-2). Other enhancements such as the ability to
change the place of delivery while the personnel or materiel are en route will also
14
improve responsiveness.
Sea lift
C-5
Airship
Oblique w/UAVs
TAV Wing
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
-500
0 2.29 3 4 10
Days
Tons
Notes: Responsiveness - time for cargo to move from point of origin to point of use in days.
Except for airships with UAVs, all cargo must be moved from point of origin to airfield
(approximately 24 hours).
C-5s and airships with UAVs deliver to point of use; cargo moved via other systems
must be transshipped in theater (approximately 24 hours).
Times do not include airlift platform preparation times.
In-flight times based on 6,000 miles one way.
Figure 2-2. Responsiveness
Cost
To be effective in 2025, the airlift system must meet airlift requirements throughout
the airlift operational spectrum. These missions have vastly different operational
requirements such as responsiveness, volume, and defensive capabilities. Given a finite
supply of labor, energy, and materiel, the United States should field an airlift system that
considers cost factors in determining the mix of airlift platforms and support systems.
Also, cost factors should be considered when determining policy, particularly when vital
interests are not at stake.25 These costs, while primarily monetary, also involve the
expense of political capital as it relates to the mobilization of reserve and CRAF assets.

Therefore, the airlift system will be composed of both technologically evolutionary and
revolutionary systems that optimize capability and costs within the constraints of the
15
timeframe considered.
Other Considerations
Airlift platforms will most likely be required to employ systems that comply with
international environmental restrictions and eliminate existing negative effects.
Propulsion systems should reduce to acceptable limits or eliminate negative
environmental effects from hypersonic systems. The capability will exist to engineer
systems to eliminate noise pollution. These include managing boundary effects to
eliminate sonic booms. Materials technology will be able to produce structures composed
of compositions that eliminate the requirement for scarce resources. Airlift direct transfer
and short takeoff and landing/vertical takeoff and landing (STOL/VTOL) systems can
eliminate requirements for extensive concentrated terminal facilities and materials
handling and storage infrastructure, thus reducing resources demand, urban development
congestion, and air traffic congestion.
The need for airlift support can also be reduced significantly through other efforts.
System designs should incorporate the capability to perform multiple functions and use
electronic transfer to allow these systems to repair and update capabilities. These options
will eliminate extensive logistics support and airlift requirements. In addition, active
search methods will identify alternate sources of materiel in the theater of operations,
determine acquisition options, determine support operations, and eliminate many airlift
requirements. At the operations-other-than-war end of the airlift spectrum, air mobility’s

ability to “show the flag” will continue to demonstrate government-to-government and
military-to-military relations. These can be much more visible to a population and usually
much less threatening to a populace than the naval presence of a carrier battle group.26
The required capabilities of the air mobility system in 2025 have been identified as
follows: point of use delivery and extraction, long unrefueled range, total resource
visibility, survivability, intermodality, modularity, interoperability, responsiveness, and
cost. Each serves an integral purpose in a synergistic whole. If the air mobility tasks
required to meet national objectives in 2025 are to be accomplished, each of these
capabilities must be present in the air mobility system.
Notes
1 Lt Col Duane C. Johnson, “Strategic Airlift and Sealift: Both Have Long Suffered
from a Capabilities Versus Requirements Disconnect. What Is the Prognosis?” (Maxwell
AFB, Ala.: Air War College, 1990), 8–9.
2 “Close the U.S. Strategic Airlift Gap,” Aviation Week & Space Technology 141, no.
16
17 (24 October 1994): 66.
3 Sheila E. Widnall, Secretary of the Air Force and Gen Ronald R. Fogleman, Global
Presence, 1995 (Washington, D.C.: Department of the Air Force, 1995): 3.
4 Lt Col Marcel Duval, Canadian Armed Forces, “How To Improve the Response
Time and Reduce the Costs of UN Operations Through A Better Use of the World’s Air
Assets,” (Maxwell AFB, Ala.: Air War College, April 1995), 12.
5 Lt Gen William G. Pagonis, Moving Mountains: Lessons in Leadership and
Logistics from the Gulf War (Boston: Harvard Business School Press, 1992). This book
outlines the six-month logistics build-up phase required to prepare personnel and materiel
for Operation Desert Storm.
6 Togo D. West, Jr., Secretary of the Army and Gen Gordon R. Sullivan, Force XXI:
America’s Army of the 21st Century (Fort Monroe, Va.,: Office of the Chief of Staff,
Army, 15 January 1995): 8–18.
7 Dr Eliot A. Cohen, “Long Range Air Power and US Military Strategy,” address to
Congressional staffers, Washington, D.C., 7 March 1996.
8 West, 9.
9 Ibid., 31.
10 Charles M. Westenhoff, Military Air Power, The CADRE Digest of Air Power
Opinions and Thoughts (Maxwell AFB, Ala.: Air University Press, 1990), 126.

11 Sheila E. Widnall, Secretary of the Air Force and Gen Ronald R. Fogleman, Air
Force Executive Guidance, December 1995 Update (Washington D.C.: Department of
the Air Force, 1995): 15.
12 Frederick Painton, “High-Altitude Help,” Time 141, no. 10 (8 March 1993): 37.
13 MCI 10-202, Aircrew Training Programs: Policies, Organization, and
Administration, vol. 1, 15 October 1995, 49.
14 USAF Scientific Advisory Board, New World Vistas: Air and Space Power for the
21st Century, summary volume (Washington, D.C.: USAF Scientific Advisory Board, 15
December 1995), 10.
15 John L. Cirafici, Airhead Operations--Where AMC Delivers: The Linchpin of
Rapid Force Projection (Maxwell AFB, Ala.: Air University Press, 1995), 80–81.
16 Pagonis, 89–93.
17 User’s Guide for JOPES (Joint Operation Planning and Execution System), 1
17
May 1995, 14–19.
18 Maj Gen Julian Thompson, The Lifeblood of War: Logistics in Armed Conflict,
(London: Brassey’s, 1991), 302.
19 Air Force Manual 1-1, Basic Aerospace Doctrine of the United States Air Force,
vol. I, March 1992, 15.
20 Not only would it cost the US a great deal to provide incentives to Civil Reserve
Air Fleet (CRAF) carriers, but modifications to civil aircraft are not cost effective in all
cases. Some CRAF carriers have elected to not renew their CRAF contract agreements
after Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm due to the loss of routes, traffic, and market
share. It may not be possible for the US government to pay the costs of an effective
CRAF fleet in 2025.
21 John H. Dalton, Secretary of the Navy, Adm J. M. Boorda, and Gen Carl E.
Mundy, Jr., Forward...From The Sea (Washington, D.C.: Department of the Navy, 1994),
2.
22 Cohen.
23 New World Vistas, summary volume, 9, 12.
24 David A. Fulghum, “International Market Eyes Endurance UAVs,” Aviation Week
& Space Technology 143, no. 2 (10 July 1995): 40.
25 Lt Col Ronald L. Bean, “Air Mobility--Pivotal Non-Lethal Capability: Where are
we going with Peacekeeping?,” (Maxwell AFB, Ala.: Air War College, April 1995): 1.
26 Currently, airlift aircraft show the flag worldwide on a daily basis.

Chapter 3
System Description
The following platform options were evaluated in light of required capabilities to
determine their place in the Air Mobility system of 2025. They include transatmospheric,
hypersonic, and supersonic vehicles, airships, in-ground-effect wings, very large aircraft,
and unpowered and powered delivery systems using both manned and unmanned
technologies. In addition to platform options, additional equipment such as standardized
cargo containers and on-board materiel handling equipment required to operate these
platforms are described below and the technologies required are indicated. The required
capabilities identified in Chapter 2 will determine the best mix of options.
Transatmospheric (TAVs) and Hypersonic Vehicles
There have been two noteworthy attempts to develop a transatmospheric vehicle
(TAV) to provide an airlift platform that meets the rapid in-transit response criteria for
high-priority payloads.1 The advantages of TAV systems include decreased vulnerability
due to the lack of en route infrastructure and support facilities. It is intended that the
TAV incorporate the environmental support systems to meet crew, system, and payload
needs while employed in exoatmospheric operations, including the capabilities for crew
18

transshipment infrastructure or platform replenishment support. The TAV allows
transport of cargo to any location globally within one hour from departure.
Unfortunately, the projected TAV technological requirements and operating
parameters make this aircraft infeasible for most military payload requirements. Although
TAV sorties could reach any location on earth in one hour, payload size would be limited
to 10,000-to 30,000-pound capacity. In addition, typical TAV requirements include
conventional runways of at least 11,500 feet and extensive specialized support
infrastructure as well as an extensive turnaround time to prepare the vehicle for another
mission (anticipated to be approximately five days).2 TAVs should have the capability
however, to deliver limited payloads quickly once the vehicle is prepared and the cargo
loaded. While certainly suited for small, notional six-man team delivery, this vehicle is
unlikely to be used for movement of moderate to large payloads.
19
Supersonic Transport
Force projection depends on delivering personnel and/or materiel where they are
needed in the shortest time possible. The best military strategies and tactics are of little
value if the right soldiers, weapons, and supplies cannot be in the right place at the right
time. Consequently, the movement of personnel and equipment at supersonic speeds is
alluring. Two possible options for supersonic airframes are the “standard” Concorde SST
(supersonic transport) design and the unique oblique flying wing design.
While Europe’s Concorde has logged more than 100,000 supersonic flight hours
(more than all the military services combined) in its 20 years of commercial service, its
100-passenger capacity is much too small for military transport use.3 However, in addition

to the US, both Europe and Japan are spending significant time and money researching
supersonic transport vehicles that will carry up to 300 passengers, a size that could have
military applications. In addition, market research for supersonic travel has shown that if
the price of a ticket could be brought to within 10-to 20 percent of current subsonic fares,
there would be a substantial market. “Studies show a potential high speed aircraft market
of 315,000 passengers per day by the year 2000, and 600,000 per day by 2020. To meet
this demand, 500-1,000 high speed civil transports would be needed.”4 This current civil
attention is advantageous since the cost of research and development for aircraft design is
prohibitive for the Air Force. At an “estimated cost of $15-20 billion to bring a new
supersonic transport to market,” it is imperative that the Air Force depend on the civil
20
sector for overall design.5
Unfortunately, even civil sector attention is no guarantee. Large leaps in technology
are required to build an environmentally safe supersonic airlifter at a price the struggling
airlines could afford. Although some scientists are confident that environmental barriers
can be overcome and noise reduction ideas for takeoff and landing will work, there is
much work to do in the development of advanced materials. “Needed are ceramic matrix
composites that can withstand the prolonged high temperatures in the new engine
combustors, and lightweight, durable composites and super alloys for the airframe and
engine components to hold down the airframe’s weight and fuel consumption.”6 Even the
application of military sensor technology replacing windows with computer displays to
reduce weight is still in its infancy. Though new designs will have longer ranges than the
Concorde, they still come far short of the desired 12,000 mile unrefueled range. “Current
SST designs have a range of 5,500-6,000 nautical miles and require 4,000 meter (13,000

feet) long runways.”7 This obviously places a restriction upon how far it could go and
where a military SST would be able to operate. The need for a truly long-unrefueled-range
aircraft is unlikely to be met by a supersonic transport by the year 2025.
Oblique wings may provide more efficient supersonic flight. “Preliminary studies
indicate in direct comparison with the Boeing 747, that the oblique wing may be 16-30%
cheaper to fly.”8 Like the “standard” Concorde design, for an oblique wing to be
practical there must be a need to carry a large number of passengers. “A passenger or
cargo carrying wing would have to be about 7 feet thick to allow people to stand, and this
in turn dictates a 50 foot chord and 500 foot wing span. Such an aircraft would be able to
carry more than 500 passengers.”9 The vehicle would fly about a 60-degree angle at top
speed of between Mach 1.6 and 2.0 but rotate to about 30 degrees for takeoff and
landing. While the oblique wing concept is slightly slower than other designs, its
advantage is that it is very efficient. “Initial wind tunnel tests indicate that the oblique
wing would have a very good lift to drag ratio (as high as 30:1), and subsequently low
thrust requirements even for takeoff and acceleration.”10 The low power requirement
advantage is obvious when considering the continually stiffening noise restrictions
21
surrounding US airports.
There are two impediments to the development and use of an oblique wing design.
First, though feasible, the technology to produce and fly such a design may not develop
because of a lack of interest at the civilian level. Even though a flying scale model has
been developed, research shows little interest in pursuing further development has been
demonstrated by civil aviation manufacturers.11 Unless the public sector decides such a

unique design is safe and passenger friendly, there is little hope such a craft will be
22
developed regardless of its advantages.
Secondly, significant support problems hinder the development. Not the least of
these is the extensive and costly renovation of existing infrastructure to accommodate an
aircraft nearly twice as large as any currently in existence. Individually, these
impediments might be overcome. Together, they represent a commitment of resources
inconceivable, given the projected availability of future funding. For these reasons, we
believe the costs outweigh the benefits of such vehicles.
Airships
Since the Hindenburg catastrophe in 1937, airship development has taken a backseat
to aircraft development. Because of this, opportunities exist for tremendous
advancements in design and capability with the application of technologies that are
common in the aircraft industry. The application of probable 2025 technologies to airship
design could yield tremendous increases in overall capabilities with substantially
decreased delivery times at a fraction of current per-mile costs for air cargo movement.
Current airship development efforts have concentrated on the application of
materials technologies to the airship structure. These efforts include the introduction of
composite framing and high strength-to-weight fabrics. Additionally, developments in
engine technology have increased speed and controllability while decreasing the
manpower-intensive nature of previous airship operations. These developments have
reinvigorated inquiry into the future role of airships. They have not, however, expanded
the capabilities of the airship beyond those achieved before World War II.12

Air mobility requirements in 2025 will demand a substantial increase from existing
airship capabilities. These include a 500-ton useful lift capability, maximum airspeed of
250 knots, maximum range at maximum gross weight of 12,500 miles, and a
defensive/stealth capability. Although substantially slower, the airlift capacity of this
notional airship would be nearly six times that of our largest airlift platform, the C-5B.13
Even with the difference in delivery time (approximately a 2-to-1 advantage over the
C-5) the airship would still have three times the effective ability of the C-5B (Fig. 2-2).
Cost of airship production is also low since cost per unit produced could be approximately
one-third that of the C-5B.14 In addition, with the integration of UAVs and airships, the
capability exists to deliver personnel and equipment directly to the user (point of use
delivery), thereby, eliminating transshipment time and reducing infrastructure
Source: William J. White, Airships for the Future (New York:
Sterling Publishing Co., 1978): 127.
Figure 3-1. Large Cargo Airship
23
requirements and costs.
Technologies that will have a
great impact on the development
of Airship 2025 include: future
composite materials, advanced
computer modeling capabilities
from which structural analysis and
inexpensive test “flights” can be
conducted, and nanotechnology innovations that will decrease the weight and size of
onboard systems. Additional developments in stealth/low observables technologies will
make what is already a low-signature target (due to its composite structure) more
survivable. The development of stand-off delivery vehicles (UAVs) will also increase the

airship’s survivability by allowing the airship to loiter well outside the battlespace threat
area while the UAVs provide point of use delivery to forward deployed units.
The possible commercial applications of airships are numerous. Commercial air
carriers are currently pursuing larger-capacity aircraft to increase the efficiency of air
transport. The substantially cheaper per-unit cost of airships, combined with their
superior capacity, hold great promise for long-range passenger and package delivery.
Additionally, civilian adoption of airship operations similar to those proposed in this paper
could usher in a new era of innovation in the commercial air freight industry where direct
24
delivery of goods is the baseline product.
In-Ground Effect Wings
Wing-in-ground effect vehicles (or wingships) are another type of platform design
that could provide the size, weight, and volume of lift required in 2025. Wingships are
hybrid sea/air vehicles capable of very heavy lift over extremely long ranges. They do so
by taking advantage of the ground effect phenomena to provide a significant increase in
lift capability over what conventional aircraft are currently capable. Because of these
phenomena, it is technologically feasible to build vehicles that are at least three times
larger and 10 times heavier than the largest airplane currently built.15 Developed initially
by the Russians in the 1960s, the first wingship (named the “Caspian Sea Monster”) was
capable of lifting 540 tons and cruised at 310 miles per hour.16 This vehicle took off and
landed on the sea and held a steady altitude of 10 feet above the surface. Current
wingships have the capability of flying between 20 and 90 feet above the surface of the
sea and can cruise at 400 knots. Higher altitudes are possible when necessary to transit

small land masses or avoid shipping or other obstacles, but these altitudes cause a
significant decrease in fuel efficiency. Because of their shallow draft, these vehicles are
able to load and unload in shallow and/or undeveloped ports where deep-draft vessels are
25
unable to go.
Developments in lightweight structures and materials have made it technologically
feasible to construct a wingship capable of lifting 5,000 tons, although the engines
required to power it are still a long way off. The Advanced Research Projects Agency
(ARPA) of the Department of Defense (DOD) recently analyzed a wingship that was able
to transport 1,500 tons over an unrefueled range of 10,000 nautical miles at a cruising
speed of 400 knots.17 Even with this kind of lift and the potential ability to attain
altitudes of almost 10,000 feet, the most significant challenge is designing engines that
can produce the enormous power to break free of the water and maintain the required
power levels for an extended period of time at low altitudes where temperatures are
relatively higher than those experienced by conventional aircraft. Other technological
problems include stability problems as well as the difficulty of flying over turbulent
seas.18 These problems could potentially be solved by using enhanced computer
processing to assist in wingship control.
In addition to these technological
drawbacks, the wingship cannot provide
the direct delivery and extraction required
in 2025 since they are confined to
waterways only and are susceptible to
interdiction in narrow passageways such as
Reprinted from Popular Mechanics, (May 1995).
Copyright The Hearst Corporation. All Rights
Reserved.
Figure 3-2. Conceptual Wingship

the Suez and Panama Canals. They also require an infrastructure outside of the
continental United States, even though that infrastructure does not have to be extensive
or large. While the wingship could conceivably deploy and recover UAVs, the UAVs
would all have to be powered, driving up the cost of the air mobility system. Ultimately,
the wingship is unable to provide a seamless point of use delivery capability to the war
fighter without another form of transportation (rail, truck, etc.) to get the cargo and
equipment to the battlefield. Because of this, we believe it is not a good platform for the
26
air mobility system of 2025.
Very Large Aircraft
Commercial aircraft manufacturers, in concert with
governmental agencies, are currently showing a great
deal of interest in the development of very large
aircraft (VLA). Shelby J. Morris, head of a
NASA/Langley engineering group brainstorming the
concept, states that “largeness is a virtue up to a point,
Reprinted from Popular Mechanics,
(March 1995). Copyright The Hearst
Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Figure 3-3. Very Large
Aircraft
but we’re not sure of how large is large enough and how large is too large.”19 These
developments are reliant on the extensive existing infrastructure of the United States and
other developed First World countries and are pertinent to operations in these areas.
Current VLA concepts include expanded conventional transports, blended wing
bodies, and a variety of other designs. These concepts propose maximum payloads
ranging from 300,000 to 1,000,000 pounds with wingspans as large as 330 feet.20 Such
designs are problematic, as their sheer size vastly increases the infrastructure required to

support them. Possible solutions to this problem include the creation of landing piers
along lakeshores.21 Cost and environmental problems associated with this idea greatly
undermine its feasibility and serve to highlight similar problems associated with the
27
renovation of existing structures.
These infrastructure problems are even more daunting when one considers the lack
of infrastructure available to military forces deployed abroad. Future VLAs are likely to
face the same problem inherent with our current very large aircraft, the venerable C-5B.
This problem is the requirement for an extensive supporting infrastructure unavailable in
a high-threat, forward deployed military operation.
The VLA exhibits a high profile during operations. Even if the adversary lacks
sufficient capabilities to directly contest air superiority with the United States, the VLA’s
conventional operating procedures induce reliance on a fixed infrastructure. This
infrastructure represents an extremely vulnerable center of gravity, as it can be targeted
by a variety of standoff air-to-surface and surface-to-surface weapon systems to ensure
airbase denial.22 In addition, man-portable antiair weapon systems enhance the capability
to infiltrate and target US theater insertion capability. The VLA’s most significant
advantage is its increased lift capability. However, the operational and infrastructure
requirements to service this increased capacity present two key vulnerabilities: the need
to fly into the battlespace thus presenting a high-value target and the need to
offload/transship its cargo at a suitable in-theater airfield, itself a center of gravity in the
highly lethal and fluid environment of 2025.
In the final analysis, the main problem with VLAs is that they remain an evolutionary
change in airlift capability and have failed to adequately evolve to meet mission

requirements to survive and support operational needs in a threat environment. In other
words, VLAs are doing the same old thing, the same old way, with new/larger equipment.
The VLA has utility in supporting nonthreat operations such as humanitarian assistance,
but it is a system that complements airlift operations, without providing the necessary
capabilities to support potentially hostile operations in 2025.
Delivery Vehicles
Since the air mobility system of the future may not have operationally supportable
access to airfields (large or small) or transshipment infrastructure outside of the
continental United States due to political, environmental, threat, and/or infrastructure
considerations, there must be a method to deliver personnel and equipment directly from
the large airlifter to the precise location requested by the war-fighting commander. The
current airdrop capability of the US Air Force raises some tricky problems, most notably
hitting small targets from high altitudes (above 10,000 feet), the requirement for large
drop zones, and the necessity of having personnel on the ground to monitor weather
conditions during the actual drop. As mentioned previously, during the recent
humanitarian airdrop into Bosnia, there was significant concern over the ability to find
and hit small, obscure drop zones while at night and/or in poor weather.23 The war
fighters of the future will need to place equipment and personnel within 10 meters of the
intended target during all weather conditions and in any type of terrain as well as during
potentially hostile situations. This precision capability will be required not only during the
initial insertion of forces but also during the following resupply and sustainment efforts.
Several unpowered vehicles currently in development show promise in this respect.
28

29
Unpowered Delivery Systems
One of the most promising unpowered delivery vehicles is an autonomous system
that can deliver heavy payloads to within about 30 feet of the intended target. This
system, called the Guided Parafoil Aerial Delivery System (GPADS), uses a parafoil that
is 49 feet long, 8 feet deep, spans 150 feet, and weighs 1,600 pounds. The guidance
package utilizes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, compass, pressure altimeter,
air speed indicator, and a computer to sense and correct in real time for changes in wind
speed and direction and compensates for movement of the payload and canopy.
Designed to guide a total load of 42,000 pounds from an altitude of 25,000 feet and 12
miles away from a target, an airborne division would require a mix of 450 heavyweight
and medium-weight parafoils in addition to 450 parafoils that could deliver 1,200 pound
loads.24 Even if the war fighter of 2025 requires less overall weight to deploy, parafoils of
the future would need to carry significantly heavier loads and be capable of delivering
them from farther away.
Another system that is complementary to the GPADS is being developed by NASA
as a method for returning cargo and crews from space in an autonomous mode. Termed
the Spacewedge, it allows cargo to be deployed from an aircraft up to 20 miles away from
the intended landing zone and potentially brought within 100 feet of the target. To fly at
about 20 miles per hour with a sink rate of 10 feet per second, this system uses a
parachute and a guidance package composed of a GPS receiver and antenna, an uplink
receiver, an altimeter, and electronic compass as well as a 80196-based flight control
computer. It is not as accurate as the GPADS. The objective of this program is to be able

to deliver a full-scale space vehicle to a soft landing at a sink rate of about 2.5 feet per
30
second.25
A parafoil system that combined the best characteristics of these two systems would
provide precise delivery of personnel and equipment to the war fighter. The ability to
drop heavyweight loads would allow the war fighter to insert most, if not all, of his heavy
equipment within 10 meters of the intended target. This ability would allow the
advantage of surprise and also would be very difficult to
defend against since the choice of landing site increases
significantly. The ability to drop the load from approximately
150 miles away also enhances surprise (not to mention aircraft
survivability) by not announcing the location of the drop zone.
In addition, several loads could be dropped simultaneously in
opposite directions, allowing the greatest amount of coverage if
required by the situation. Finally, personnel could be dropped
in containers, reducing the parachute training required for
individuals and allowing more concentration of troops in a
particular area. If the psychological aspects of lack of control
warrant adjustments, a man-in-the-loop option for control of
Source: Robert W. Rodier,
et al., Master Plan for
Airdrop Future Systems
Natick TR-91/037L (Natick,
Mass,: US Army Research,
Development & Engineering
Center, June 1991): 35.
Figure 3-4. Parafoil
Delivery System
the container can be developed for dealing with emergency contingencies.
A disadvantage of this parafoil delivery system is that it relies on a GPS link that
could be either disrupted by the enemy or used by the enemy to locate the delivery
system and either shoot it down or otherwise compromise the attack. Use of an internal
guidance package (such as a micro-internal navigation system device) that did not need

external links to determine its location would take care of this problem. The package
would still need to receive data about wind direction and speed but as long as it did not
send out signals it could retain its stealthy characteristics. Another disadvantage of a
parafoil system (or any unpowered system) is that the large parafoils and containers could
potentially become excess material on the battlefield. While soldiers traditionally use
most available materials in combat, any excess material could be difficult to dispose of,
becoming an environmental issue once the war or conflict was terminated. In a
special-operations-type scenario, this debris could indicate the presence of troops that
were attempting to operate in a covert mode. Advances in materials technology might be
able to produce materials that rapidly degrade or reconfigure for alternative uses. Finally,
the main disadvantage to an unpowered parafoil system is that while it can deliver cargo
and personnel very accurately from high altitudes and significant distances, it cannot
extract the troops once the mission is complete (or during a fighting withdrawal). Also,
these systems are vulnerable to severe local weather conditions that may degrade
31
performance significantly.
Powered Delivery Systems
Powered unmanned aerial vehicles show enormous potential for direct delivery and
extraction of cargo and personnel to and from the customers’ desired location. The use of
UAVs in this role would minimize the risk to humans by removing the transport pilot from
the battlefield and would also maximize the payload of the UAV by not having to lift
additional crew members. UAVs showed recent success in Operation Desert Storm and
are currently being used in the operations in Bosnia, although in exclusively

reconnaissance-type missions. Currently these aircraft are small and are able to carry
only small sensor/communications payloads. Future technological advances (such as
more powerful propulsion units, more versatile airframe designs, lightweight but strong
materials, etc.) may allow the development of a UAV that will be able to lift and
maneuver a standard cargo container carrying personnel and/or equipment. To
accomplish these tasks, a UAV must have the capability for full or near full autonomous
flight to make round trips from the airlifter to an unimproved location and back while
surviving in a potentially hostile environment.
The requirement to deliver cargo and personnel wherever the user needs it demands
that a UAV be capable of taking off and landing vertically or at the very least in a very
short distance, allowing the combatant commander maximum flexibility in placing troops
and equipment. Four powered vehicle designs could potentially fill this requirement: a
helicopter-type vehicle, an x-wing design, a “jump jet,” and an ornithographic vehicle. A
helicopter-type vehicle already exists that is capable of fully autonomous vertical takeoff
and landing and can land on slopes of up to 15 degrees, with indications that landings on
greater slopes are possible.26 Also, in the late 1980s, a Canadian firm built a remotely
piloted helicopter capable of horizontal speeds up to 80 miles per hour, altitudes up to
10,000 feet, and hovering maneuvers.27 The vertical takeoff and landing capability of
these types of vehicles reduces the space required for cargo unloading (and loading during
extraction operations) and allows landing at unimproved sites, which gives much more
flexibility to the war fighter in placing troops and equipment. Because of this almost
unlimited capability to place troops where and when required, the US can retain or
32

achieve the advantage of surprise, at least until the UAVs are deployed from the mother
ship and potentially until they are making their final approach at the landing site.
Among the drawbacks to the use of helicopters are that they generally require more
power than equivalent fixed wing aircraft and are adversely affected by high altitudes and
hot temperatures. Significant advances in propulsion design and fuels would be required
to solve or at least minimize this problem. Helicopter UAVs are also more complex but
the use of adaptive neural networks could eventually be used to control these types of
vehicles.28 Also, although helicopter UAVs currently have limited maneuverability,
genetic algorithm could be useful in increasing their maneuverability enough for effective
use in an airlift role in a hostile environment.
The final disadvantage of unmanned helicopter vehicles in the airlift role is that their
in-flight performance is significantly less than conventional fixed-wing aircraft. A
solution to this is the development of an x-wing or “stopped-rotor” type of aircraft. This
design combines the vertical takeoff and landing characteristics of a helicopter-type
vehicle with the forward speed of a conventional fixed-wing aircraft. A rotor would be
used to enable vertical takeoffs and landings and then would be stopped in flight to serve
as wings for forward flight at speeds in the high subsonic region.29
As mentioned, x-wings retain the vertical takeoff and landing characteristics that are
necessary for maximum flexibility in the direct delivery and extraction of cargo and
personnel to and from the battlefield. The capability to transition to forward flight would
allow greater forward speed, potentially into the high-subsonic range, which would
enhance the survivability of the aircraft in a hostile environment since it is harder to hit a
fast moving target.30 Also, this capability to transition to forward flight would increase
33

the vehicle’s range and would enable the mother ship to remain farther from the
battlefield without delaying the time required to deploy a unit to the field. Like the
helicopter UAV, the x-wing design would incorporate fully autonomous flight control and
navigation using an internal miniature inertial navigation device preprogrammed by the
airlifter flight crew, and would be capable of landing and taking off from an unimproved
site. Among the disadvantages of x-wing UAVs are the difficulties in overcoming the
transition from rotors to fixed wings and the development of an appropriate powerplant
that could provide power to the rotor as well as supply thrust for fixed-winged flight.
While these challenges were being addressed as early as the late 1980s, technological
advances in propulsion, as well as in circulation control for the critical transition phase
between rotor-powered flight and fixed-wing flight, should enable the use of an x-wing
34
unmanned vehicle by the year 2025.31
A similar and perhaps more promising
aircraft is another vertical takeoff and landing
vehicle capable of forward flight, the so-called
“jump jet” or hoverjet being developed by the
National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) in
Tokyo. The design of this transport helps ensure
stability in the low, forward-speed range and
during vertical flight and is powered by three
aft-mounted turbine engines that power a
Reprinted from Popular Mechanics, (June
1993). Copyright The Hearst Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Figure 3-5. NAL Jump Jet
unique system of lift fans and cruise fans. During forward flight, the air trapped from the
compressors would be routed to two cruise fans. For vertical flight, this same high-

pressure bleed air would be routed to six rotors, made of single piece carbon fiber
composites, encased in the wings and shielded by louvers on both the upper and lower
sides. The transition from vertical to horizontal flight is accomplished by gradually
redirecting the air from the rotors to the cruise fans.32
Although this particular vehicle is designed to transport more than 100 passengers at
0.8 Mach with a range of 1,600 miles, the basic technology could be converted into an
unmanned aircraft that could be launched and recovered from a much larger mother ship
as discussed in the preceding paragraphs. One of the biggest design challenges for NAL
has been the development of a powerful and reliable lift fan. In addition to advances in
power plant design, the success of aircraft of this type also depends on advances in
composite materials and manufacturing processes. Even more than the previously
mentioned UAV designs, this hoverjet would require significant progress in adaptive
neural networks and genetic algorithms to achieve autonomous control of the vehicle.
Finally, since cargo containers would be carried inside the aircraft instead of being slung
beneath it like the helicopter and x-wing UAVs, this type aircraft would require some type
of material handling equipment to off-load or on-load equipment.
The “jump jet” design, however, offers some advantages that the helicopter and x-wing
UAVs do not. Like them, this aircraft takes advantage of both vertical and
horizontal flight. Its size and design would be attractive to the commercial market where
it could be used in the short-range passenger market as well as short-haul cargo routes.
Major disadvantages, in addition to the requirement for on-board cargo handling
equipment, are the increased infrared signatures resulting from the high heat and pressure
generated from the engine compressors and the fact that this type of design would
35

probably be much more expensive than the previous two, resulting in fewer overall
numbers and a greater reluctance to send it into a hostile fire zone.
A potentially less expensive airlift UAV would be an ornithographic vehicle—an
engine-powered aircraft that flies by flapping its wings. The world’s first successful
engine-driven ornithopter flew in September 1991 for a grand total of two minutes and 46
seconds.33 While this vehicle was not large (only four kilograms and a three meter
wingspan), it did achieve flight and demonstrated this method of propulsion does work.
The creators of this modern-day Icarus believed they could build an ornithopter that
could carry a single person by 1996.34 With advances in propulsion systems and
lightweight but strong materials, a UAV could be designed that would be no more than a
frame with a power plant and wings with a generic attachment for a cargo container. The
powered wings would allow for a controlled glide to the unimproved landing zone,
adjusting for winds and avoiding detected threats. The wings would also enable a “soft”
landing in a small area by rotating into the wind just above the ground in the same manner
as birds alighting on a nest or a tree limb. A design of this type would provide an
additional measure of stealth since the use of flapping wings would be significantly
quieter than a rotor-equipped vehicle. Also, if the wing materials were inexpensive
enough and the power plant and control package were small, the UAV could be virtually
disposable on the battlefield. (Containers would also have to be disposable or useable by
the war fighter.) Additional technologies such as very short-term (within days),
biodegradable materials would enhance the disposability and help prevent discovery of
personnel operating in a covert mode. This capability would be greatly beneficial to
36

special operations personnel or any other unit operating in a covert mode in hostile
territory and not wanting their operations revealed by the presence of a delivery vehicle.
An obvious disadvantage of an ornithopter UAV would be the inability to lift large,
heavy containers without revolutionary breakthroughs in propulsion, materials, and
aeronautical design. Without the capability of lifting large, heavy containers, another
vehicle would be necessary to provide the direct extraction of cargo and personnel.
These powered vehicles, however, would be more expensive to develop and operate than
ornithopters. Since retrograde often occurs at a much lower rate than deployment,
ornithopters (or other unpowered vehicles) and powered lifting vehicles could be used in
conjunction (at a ratio of 3 unpowered UAVs per powered UAV) for less cost. Another
disadvantage is that this type of flapping wing design would be relatively slow moving,
exposing the vehicle to enemy fire longer and allowing for an easier targeting solution for
the enemy. This disadvantage however, could be overcome by employing other stealth
technologies in the design (i.e., stealthy materials, a cloaking mechanism, etc.).
A more feasible delivery vehicle would be based on the “Angel’s Wings” concept
developed for the Army by Dr. Lowell Wood. The original concept would be
implemented as a helicopter-type personal lift device individuals would be able to strap
on. With auto-folding and unfolding composite rotating wings, a GPS-updated
microprocessor, and a 50-horsepower internal combustion engine, this device would be
able to deliver the twenty-first century warrior to the battlefield in an unpowered mode,
using flywheel energy to provide last-minute braking. Liftoff would be provided either
from the energy stored in the flywheel (modern flywheels have the capability to store
enough energy to lift their own mass up to 10,000 kilometers) or from the 15,000
37

revolutions per minute engine. Although designed for only one person, increasing the
swept-circle diameter of the rotating wings as well as increasing the engine thrust would
provide capability to lift much heavier payloads.35
Delivery vehicles of this type are relatively simple, allow rapid retrograde, and
provide significant mobility across the terrain for ground forces. With the engine
shrouded and using ducted fan-cooling design, the vehicle and payload would have
minimal signatures across the spectrum. Disadvantages include the size of the rotating
wings to lift heavy payloads and the resulting increase in platform signatures. It is
doubtful the useful payloads could be increased to provide enough lift capability without
having to use a significant number of vehicles or increase the platform signatures beyond
acceptable levels. If used as an individual lift device, the soldier would need some sort of
protection from the elements particularly if deployed from a mother ship located 100-to
200 miles from the battlefield. Finally, the speed of these vehicles would be relatively
slow, which would increase their exposure to hostile fire. The concept in its current form
is available using commercial off-the-shelf components and technologies. However, to
decrease weight and reduce detection signatures while increasing range and lift capacity,
advances in structural composites, engine design (to include minimizing noise output), as
well as in microminiaturization of communications, sensors, and navigation packages are
38
required.
Other potential delivery vehicles are ballistic and cruise missiles. Ballistic missiles
have the capability to provide the most rapid in-transit delivery vehicle for small,
high-priority payloads, can be configured to ensure payload survivability and extreme
accuracy, and are technologically feasible. However, there are many negative aspects to

consider. First, the delivery system resembles the delivery characteristics of weapons of
mass destruction. Since ballistic missile designers are developing capabilities to alter in-transit
flight profiles to counter antiballistic missile systems, any flight profile that vaguely
threatens potential enemies could provoke a preemptive strike against what is in reality a
cargo transfer. Not only could this system destabilize a developing crisis, it would also
result in the loss of a high-priority payload that was important enough to get to the user
extremely quickly. Also, ballistic missiles have high profiles that could eliminate the
element of surprise for most payloads. In addition, the cost of expendable launch
vehicles is extremely high and few payloads, except for highly critical ones, would
warrant such costs. The system would also require the retention of a complete weapon
system support infrastructure to support a small quantity of payloads. Furthermore, the
infrastructure for ballistic missile launch does not coincide with the logistics support
infrastructure, requiring payloads to be delivered to remote launch facilities, incurring
additional time for transit from point of origin to point of embarkation.
Cruise missiles can transfer 500 pound payloads over 1,500 miles while maintaining a
low-observable profile, autonomous control, and precise point of delivery. With
development of containers for supporting diverse cargoes, cruise missiles can be
developed to rapidly deliver payloads to users without reliance on infrastructure between
points of origin and delivery. Evolutionary changes such as improvements in composites
to strengthen airframes while reducing weight, increasing engine efficiencies and output,
and using low observables technology to decrease probability of detection, can improve
range, payload, and mission effectiveness. With development of the capability to recover
cruise missiles used for cargo delivery in a mission-capable condition and to ensure
39

proper en route identification, cruise missiles can provide direct delivery and extraction
support for cargoes meeting weight and volume constraints. This capability is significant
in high threat environments and operations in niche theaters such as support of forces
ashore by naval units in littoral areas. Operating as an autonomous UAV, the cruise
missile provides a lower cost, less vulnerable platform than most airlift vehicles. The
main problems with cruise missiles are significant volume and weight constraints,
differentiation between strike and airlift cruise missile operations by friendly, neutral, and
hostile forces, and constraints on making changes to cargo while en route. Due to its
capabilities, the cruise missile provides a possible component of the overall airlift system,
but its limitations constrain its useable mission profiles and the amount of cargo that could
40
be delivered.
Additional Equipment
Equipment that is not platform specific but which is required for the mobility system
of 2025 includes cargo containers and onboard materiel-handling equipment. Additional
equipment/subsystems such as robust communications, targeting computing, stealth/low
observables, and so forth, are not airlift specific and should be the same systems that are
used on other aerospace platforms.
Cargo Containers
Containers will be standardized between US military and commercial aircraft and will
also comply with international standards to improve compatibility with potential allies and
coalition partners. Modular units, such as those used for medical evacuation units, will

use these standard-size cargo containers without modification in size and/or dimensions to
enable transport via the most effective means, regardless of whether it is by aircraft, ship,
railroad car, or truck. Use of these standardized containers, miniaturization of many
components and weapons, and the possible transition from projectiles to directed energy
weapons will result in less weight and volume to be transported to the theater and will
eliminate most, if not all, of the current air cargo categories such as oversize and outsize.
In addition to ease of handling during transshipment, standardized containers will
provide protection during climatic extremes, allow information about the internal contents
to be transmitted to the user, allow for quick download at destination (in minutes), all
while not generating disposal problems in either a peacetime or wartime environment.36
If made of strong lightweight materials that are fire retardant, vermin-resistant, and
waterproof, the containers will be able to provide the protection required without adding
significant weight to the payload carried by the delivery vehicles and the mother ship.
The containers must also allow extremely rapid unloading (within a minute or less) if
delivery into a hostile zone is required. Finally, the containers must be built to allow the
attachment of delivery vehicles (either powered or unpowered) to form an integral unit
41
and eliminate the problems of slung loads.
Onboard Materiel-Handling Equipment
The cargo bay of the “mother ship” must have some robotics-based, materiel-handling
equipment capable of shifting the cargo containers and other equipment while in
flight to ensure the center of gravity is maintained within flight limits, as well as
optimizing personnel and equipment for rapid offload at the destination. This robotic

system will be controlled by the flight crew through the onboard computer systems and
will act semi-autonomously. Payload configuration systems will analyze payload and
mission profiles to configure the payload to maximize volume and mass, minimize airlift
system operational requirements, and facilitate cargo upload and download needs.
Recommendations
The Scientific Advisory Board has recommended five primary areas for airlift system
improvement: mobility information dominance, global range transports, precision guided
airdrop, directed energy defensive systems, and virtual reality military applications.37
However, as discussed earlier, additional considerations are necessary and include the
need for direct delivery and extraction and the ability to operate in hostile,
42
infrastructure-deficient environments.

Table 2
Summary of System Options
43
Point of
Use
Delivery
Direct
Extract Range Speed
Required
Infrastructure
Required
Tech Capacity
TAVs Lowa Lowa Global Very High Very High Very High Low
Supersonic
Transport Lowa Lowa Moderate Very High Very High High
Moderate
to High
Airship High High Very High Low Low Low High
Wing-in-
Ground
Effect
Very Lowb Very Lowb High Moderate Moderate Very high Very high
Very Large
Aircraft Moderate Moderate Global Moderate High High Very High
Parafoils High None Low Low None Low Moderate
Helicopters High High Moderate Moderate None Low Moderate
X-wing High High Moderate Moderate None High Moderate
Jump Jet High High Moderate Moderate None High Moderate
Ornithopter High High Low Low None Very High Low
Ballistic
Missiles High Nonec High High Moderatec Low Very Low
Cruise
Missiles High Nonec High High Lowc Low Very Low
Angels
Moderated
Moderate
Wings High
Low Low None Low
to Low
Notes: a. Deployment/recovery of containers from/to extremely high speed aircraft is improbable.
b. Only if point of use is port or beachhead.
c. Would require launch structure in field and additional recovery apparatus on mother ship.
d. Powered altitude capability unknown.
Each of the systems described above were evaluated for their ability to provide the
capabilities required in 2025 that were discussed earlier in this paper. Since one of the
major assumptions of this paper is that the air mobility system will not have access to
airfields outside of the CONUS, the system chosen must have an extremely long range
and be capable of direct delivery and extraction. The system must also be survivable in a
hostile environment and be responsive to the customer’s needs by getting all the user’s
personnel and equipment to the required location in time to accomplish the war fighter’s

mission. Because some of the alternate futures postulate significant to severe budget
restrictions, the platform must not be cost prohibitive. Other capabilities required in 2025
such as Total Resource Visibility, intermodality, modularity, and interoperability, are not
platform dependent but must be included in whatever platform is selected. A review of
the evaluated systems and their contributions to the air mobility system of 2025 is shown
44
in table 2.
When the described systems are compared against the capabilities required by the air
mobility system of 2025, airships, used in conjunction with unpowered and powered UAV
delivery platforms (primarily vertical takeoff and landing or VTOL vehicles), are the best
matches for the air mobility system of 2025. Although the airship is not as fast as modern
jet aircraft, its high-cargo capacity (both in weight and volume) allows the delivery of
more materiel to the battlefield sooner than a much larger and more expensive fleet of jet
aircraft, ultimately supporting the war fighter sooner than today’s air mobility system.
Additionally, the standoff capability of the airship/UAV system provides much greater
survivability than existing and proposed systems. A fleet of C-17s will still be in the Air
Force inventory and will be able to provide the same precision delivery capability for
small, light forces using the described delivery systems. If transshipment bases are
available in or near the theater of operations, the C-17 can also be used to support
intratheater lift. Direct extraction capability will be provided by the combination of the
VTOL UAV and the airship. Chapter 4 describes how these futuristic air mobility systems
will operate.

1 Douglas A. Fulmer, “Sanger: Germany’s Black Bullet,” Ad Astra 4, no. 2 (March
45
1992): 14–16.
2 Gilbert G. Kuperman, Information Requirements Analyses for Transatmospheric
Vehicles, AL-TR-1992-0082 (Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: Armstrong Laboratory, Crew
Systems Directorate, Human Engineering Division, June 1992): 24–31.
3 Johan Benson, “Conversations,” Aerospace America 3, no. 2 (February 1995): 16.
4 William B. Scott, “NASA Aeronautics Budget Fuels High-Speed, Subsonic
Research,” Aviation Week & Space Technology 138, no. 19 (10 May 1993): 61.
5 Benson, 16.
6 Pamela S. Zuner, “NASA Cultivating Basic Technology For Supersonic Passenger
Aircraft,” Chemical & Engineering News 73, no. 17 (24 April 1995): 11.
7 Tokyo, “JAL Business Routes Require Longer Range Than Offered by Current SST
Plans,” Aviation Week & Space Technology 137, no. 7 (17 August, 1992): 57.
8 Breck W. Henderson, “NASA Ames Resumes Effort to Develop Supersonic,
Oblique Wing Aircraft,” Aviation Week & Space Technology 136, no. 3 (20 January
1992): 54.
9 Ibid.
10 John D. Busick and Bill Siuru, Future Flight: The Next Generation of Aircraft
Technology, 2d ed. (Blue Ridge Summit, P.a.: Tab Books, 1994), 157.
11 “Oblique Flying Wing Is Airborne,” Aviation Week & Space Technology 141, no.
15 (10 October 1991): 19.
12 The maximum gross weight of the Hindenburg was 242.5 tons with a range of
6,250 miles.
13 Air Mobility Command, 1996 Air Mobility Master Plan (Scott AFB, Ill.: Air
Mobility Command, 1995). C-5B maximum gross weight ranges from 70 to 120 tons
depending on range requirements. A 100-ton average was used for comparison.
14 Lt Col Donald E. Ryan, The Airship’s Potential for Intertheater and Intratheater
Airlift (Maxwell AFB, Ala.: Air University Press, 1993), 44.
15 Bradley Lohrbauer Olds, The Impact of Wingships on Strategic Lift (Monterey,
Calif.: Naval Postgraduate School, September 1993), 17.
16 Craig Mellow, “When Ships Have Wings,” Air and Space Magazine 10, no. 5
(December 1995/January 1996): 53.
17 Olds, 2.
18 Stacey Evers, “US Wingship Pursuit Keyed to ARPA Study,” Aviation Week &
Space Technology 141, no. 8 (22 August 1994): 55.
19 Gregory T. Pope, “Titans of Transport,” Popular Mechanics 172, no. 3 (March
1995): 54.
20 Ibid., 55.
21 Ibid.
22 Dr Eliot A. Cohen, “Long Range Air Power And US Military Strategy,” address to
23 Frederick Painton, “High-Altitude Help.” Time 141, no. 10 (8 March 1993): 36–
37.
24 James T. McKenna, “Team Tests Parafoil for Heavy Payloads,” Aviation Week &
Space Technology 142, no. 25 (19 June 1995): 57.

25 James R. Asker, “Space Autoland System Shows GPS’ Wide Uses,” Aviation Week
& Space Technology 139, no. 16 (18 October 1993): 54.
26 J. P. Bott and D. W. Murphy, “On the Lookout: The Air Mobile Ground Security
and Surveillance System (AMGSSS) Has Arrived,” Internet, Fall 1995, available from
http://www.nosc.mil/robots/air/amgsss/amgssssi.html.
27 Busick and Siuru, 140.
28 Stanley W. Kandebo, “Waverider to Test Neural Net Control,” Aviation Week &
Space Technology 142, no. 14 (3 April 1995): 79.
29 Busick and Siuru, 126.
30 Ibid.
31 Ibid., 129.
32 Ibid.
33 Jonathan Beard, “Magnificent Flight with Flapping Wings,” New Scientist 134, no.
46
1826 (20 June 1992): 21.
34 Ibid.
35 Dr Lowell Wood, Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University,
telephone interview with author, 1 Mar 96.
36 Judy L. Edgell et al., “Logistics in 2025: Consider It Done,” unpublished white
paper, Air University. Standardized containers and the associated communications
equipment are integral to the logistics “system of systems.”
37 Air Mobility Command, 1-33–1-34.

Chapter 4
Concept Of Operations
No matter how futuristic or innovative weapon systems may be, they will be of little
or no use if they adhere to yesterday’s operational concepts. The following concept of
operations using the systems mix recommended in Chapter 3 represents what we believe
to be a revolution in systems use and operations that will exponentially increase the
47
efficiency of the war fighters in 2025.
The basic mission, goals, and objectives of air mobility will likely remain as they are
today. The airlift operational tasks of cargo airlift, passenger airlift, aeromedical
evacuation, and special operations airlift will continue. The core support processes of
information resources management, C4I systems, information warfare, intelligence,
logistics, training, security, operations support, medical, cargo and passenger handling,
and base operating support will be crucial.1 However, new technical and operational
parameters will change the look of airlift platforms. Air cargo in 2025 will no longer be
categorized as bulk, oversize, outsize, rolling stock, and special, as standardized cargo
containers are integrated into the airlift system.
The future air mobility system will utilize both commercial and military resources to
execute the missions of 2025. Future worldwide commercial infrastructure may be able

to handle a large portion of the routine airlift requirements but will be unable to provide
military unique requirements. The military airlift system will be able to overlay on the
commercial system to provide direct delivery and extraction from unimproved and remote
areas, the capability to operate in hostile environments, and the extreme range required to
operate around the world solely from bases located in the continental United States. This
overlay will be seamless, using standardized cargo containers as well as a total resource
visibility (TRV) system to provide interoperability between commercial and military airlift
platforms. As previously described, the air mobility system will include both the C-17
and long-range airships as strategic lift platforms, and both unpowered UAVs (primarily
parafoils attached to cargo containers) and small powered UAVs as delivery vehicles.
The civil reserve air fleet (CRAF) will still be used in 2025 to complement organic
48
passenger and cargo capabilities.
The described TRV system, part of the DOD-wide logistic system, will identify and
track cargo and personnel from origin to final destination and return. This system will
have the capability to notify simultaneously the transportation system and the supported
unit. The required transportation assets will be automatically generated by the same
system once timing and flow decisions have been directed by the NCA. The large airlifter
will deploy with sufficient parafoil delivery systems and powered UAVs to accomplish the
assigned mission. Since any type of retrograde will occur at a slower rate than
deployment, there will normally be one powered UAV for every four parafoil delivery
systems. (If the capability exists to manufacture biodegradable materials, the vast
majority of the parafoils will be unpowered with just enough powered UAVs to support

aeromedical evacuation and retrograde operations to include noncombatant evacuation
49
operations.)
In CONUS
When a unit has been notified of an impending deployment, it will load cargo and/or
personnel into standard cargo containers. These containers, in addition to those few self-powered
vehicles that can not be loaded into containers, will be moved via land to the
nearest airfield (most likely a commercial airport) and loaded onto strategic lift platforms.
For those forces with less than 48 hours from departure to required delivery time, C-17s
will be the platform of choice. Airships will be used to directly deliver the remaining
required equipment and personnel and the majority of self-powered equipment. Since the
cargo containers are wheeled they will require minimal handling. Equipment no more
sophisticated than that currently used (trucks, C-17 MHE) will handle remaining
requirements. Self-powered equipment that is not loaded in a cargo container will have
standard attachment points to enable easy loading and securing of cargo in the cargo bay
of the airship.
If deployment time constraints require, the airship also will be able to embark a unit
and its equipment directly from the unit’s point of origin. The mother ship with UAVs
(both parafoils and powered UAVs) would be flown from its home base to the pickup
location where the powered UAVs would pick up the cargo containers. Once within
range of the user’s location, the powered UAVs would be deployed from the airship and
flown to the pickup location where the containers (or self-powered equipment) will be
attached to the powered UAVs by the users. Once the container or piece of equipment is

attached, it will fly back to the mother ship for recovery. The cargo will be detached by
the aircrew and the UAV will repeat the process for as many trips as required. If space
exists on the mother ship, other units will be loaded either sequentially or simultaneously.
Robotic material-handling equipment in the cargo bay of the mother ship will be able to
move containers around as required to ensure the proper center of gravity is maintained
and to facilitate quick offload at the various drop zones.
En Route
Throughout the en route phase of operations, users will maintain communication with
their command and control components. To facilitate communication, the user’s
command modules will be linked to the mother ship’s power and communications systems
using standard connections. If a change to the final destination, payload configuration, or
force package is required, the data will be passed to both the crew of the mother ship and
the users on board by the appropriate command and control facilities. These updates will
be entered into the system and will reflect the changes in near real time. Users will be
able to interconnect with the aircraft cargo computers to input desired offload sequencing
of their cargo containers and the target locations. This will enable the cargo bay robotics,
as directed by the flight crew, to move containers and/or other equipment within the
cargo bay to optimize offload sequencing while maintaining the required center of gravity.
These robotics will also marry up the appropriate UAVs (either the parafoil assemblies or
powered UAVs) to the cargo containers for offload.
Due to extended en route times, aircrew management and composition will be
significantly different from those that are currently practiced. Increases in crew size (i.e.,
50

using two or more crews in sequence) and use of performance-enhancing substances are
possible solutions. Personnel will also be required to assist the robotics and provide
necessary maintenance. Crew work/rest cycles will require sleep facilities on board the
51
aircraft for the entire crew.
In-Theater
Once in the theater of operations, two options exist for delivering personnel and
equipment. If intratheater bases are available (as well as in-theater transportation), the
airship or other aircraft (e.g., C-17, CRAF vehicles, etc.) can land and offload. If the
intratheater bases are not available or the cargo must be delivered quickly to the
battlefield, the personnel and equipment can be delivered directly to the desired location
using the guided parafoil delivery systems. Immediately before to their release, the
airlifter cargo crew will ensure the guidance packages are programmed with the desired
drop zone locations, known winds, and threat areas to be avoided, and other data
necessary to ensure they arrive at the target location.
The parafoils (and other powered UAVs) will be released/deployed once the airlifter
is within range of the drop zone. Once released, the UAVs will guide themselves to
within 10 meters of the target. The containers, which have been configured by the users
to enable expeditious unpacking at the drop zone, will be unloaded by the users. If the
parafoils or cargo containers were not biodegradable or for other reasons required return
to the airlifter, the powered UAVs will be used. Once en route to the airship, the UAVs
will request and receive a burst transmission from the airlifter giving it return instructions
and locations. The powered UAV would fly back to the airship and directly into the cargo

area. Due to the high-operational risk, particularly when recovering personnel, the
process will incorporate some degree of human intervention either via remote control of
the UAV by an aircrew member or through positive control of the UAV/robotic recovery
system. Once aboard, the contents of the containers will be unloaded by the cargo bay
crew who, with the help of the robotic system, will recycle systems as required for future
use. The airship would either remain in place to continue delivery and reception
operations or proceed to the next drop zone as required. Since the C-17 will be able to
deliver a significantly smaller amount of cargo, it will usually service a single location and
then either return to CONUS or recover at an intratheater base if available.
Special operations requires airlift support for insertion and extraction of operational
forces and equipment. The airlift system components are capable of supporting special
operations requirements. However, the VTOL airlift vehicle must incorporate sufficient
low-observable profiles to both active and passive detection to lower the probability of
detection and interception to levels sufficient to allow mission effectiveness. The
standard VTOL airlift vehicle will incorporate low-observables technology within
resource constraints. In addition to these technologies, the special operations VTOL
airlifter will incorporate active and passive offensive and defensive systems to support
mission needs. It is important to note that these systems will not require development of a
unique airframe or substantial infrastructure to support special operations needs.
Once all personnel and equipment have been delivered, the airship will remain in an
orbit area to recover casualties and/or remove the inserted forces. If the duration of the
operation were to exceed 48 hours, the airship would begin the return trip to CONUS only
after being replaced by another airship with aeromedical evacuation capability.
52

Aeromedical Evacuation
Medical evacuation in the year 2025 will use the same airship platform that is used
for transporting cargo and personnel. Before departure from its CONUS base, one or
more portable, modular medical units will be loaded into the airlifter’s cargo space.
These units will contain medical supplies and life support equipment as needed to care for
expected casualties for the duration of the flight to and from home station. The
appropriate types and number of medical technicians deemed necessary will accompany
the medical units and remain with the airlifter. These medics will be in addition to any
field medics that may be deploying with the ground units. In addition, a small number of
cargo containers will be designated solely for the evacuation of battlefield casualties.
These vehicles will be equipped with either autonomous life-support systems much like
the neonatal units in use today (although significantly larger) or will provide seating for
one or more medical technicians to care for the evacuees.2
Launch and recovery of these medical units would be in the same manner as
delivering or extracting cargo and personnel, and would provide relatively quick
transportation of casualties from the battlefield to a place where long-term care is
available. No special medical equipment other than the autonomous life-support systems
and medical supplies would be required for these units since transport time should be
relatively brief. Most care could take place on board the mother ship (in the modular
units) with the medical technicians using communications links with CONUS to consult
appropriate experts. On return to home base, patients would be offloaded either by
stretcher or within the modular units themselves. While this concept of operations
increases the turn time at home station and decreases the amount of cargo and personnel
53

deployed to and from the battlefield, it deletes the requirement for an additional airlifter
and uses all of the same components of the cargo and personnel delivery system. It also
removes casualties from the battlefield as soon as they can be placed into the dedicated
medical UAVs and airlifted directly to the modular medical units on board the airlifter,
reducing complications and resulting in decreased morbidity and mortality rates.
Survivability
Because commercial airlift operations do not incorporate the offensive and
defensive systems necessary to survive in a high-threat environment, airlift operations will
require military aircraft to support requirements in hostile areas. Expected threats include
ground, sea, and air launched missiles as well as enemy attack aircraft. To counter these,
military airlift platforms should be configured with directed energy weapons coupled to
multi-spectral sensor packages enhanced with state of the art computational capability.
With the proliferation of threat technology, these platforms could provide an offensive
capability to employ weapon systems for operations ranging from rear area sustainment in
a low-threat environment to operational power projection in high-threat environments.
Possible offensive capabilities include standoff aerial bombardment and the employment
of combat UAVs in support of ground operations.
Many missions, such as diplomatic and humanitarian assistance, may require airlift
platform configurations lacking active offensive and defensive weapon systems.
Therefore, the airlift platform must be configurable to support these missions as well.
Modular weapon system packages will provide this system flexibility and will enable the
employment of the airlift platform throughout the spectrum of conflict.
54

Presence
Military airlift platforms directly support power projection and presence.
When this nation responds, mobility forces are no longer merely support
forces. We use these aircraft to project influence. When those aircraft are
sitting on a ramp in some far away country with that American flag on the
tail they are not representing the United States of America, they are the
United States of America.3
When the government wishes to de-emphasize involvement, commercial carriers are
acceptable unless payload prohibits their use. Because official United States aircraft
reflect national commitment and power, military airlift platforms provide political
dividends that can exceed the benefits of cost savings achieved through commercial
carriers. The media does not turn out to highlight commercial cargo but even one military
transport can gain global attention when properly managed. “Media coverage of any
future wars will by necessity weigh heavily in determining the level of national resolve,
the degree of commitment, and the complexion of the response. . . . As the old adage
goes, ‘pictures don’t lie,’ and quite literally they speak louder than words.”4
Special Handling Requirements
The military airlift network also transports payloads requiring special security and/or
special-handling requirements. These payloads include: high-profile dignitaries, weapons
of mass destruction, research, developmental test and evaluation materiel, hazardous
materiel, equipment supporting compartmentalized operations, and international
assistance programs. These operations support the military, other governmental agencies,
and foreign governments. Additionally, oversized payloads, security, hazardous material,
55

environmental control cargo requirements, and special-handling needs may also arise.
Although many of these activities may be supported by commercial carriers if proper
measures are implemented, the potential loss of control, conflicts of interest, security
aspects, and political effects will make retention of military airlift support preferable.
The melding of airships and UAVs with the concept of operations recommended
above will enhance the entire spectrum of air mobility operations. Most importantly, the
revolutionary point of use delivery and extraction capabilities will enable the war fighter
to aggressively and decisively prosecute the field of battle. Additionally, this concept
shows potential for use by the commercial sector to enhance the cost effectiveness of
56
cargo movement.
Notes
1 Air Mobility Command 1996 Air Mobility Master Plan. Scott AFB, Ill.: Air
Mobility Command, 1995, 1–11 to 1–22.
2 Maj Barbara Jefts, USAF, NC, interviewed by author, Maxwell AFB, Ala., 2
February 1996.
3 Widnall and Fogleman, Air Force Executive Guidance, December 1995 Update.
Washington D.C.: Department of the Air Force, 1995, 12.
4 Marc D. Felman, “The Military/Media Clash and the New Principle of War: Media
Spin,” Maxwell AFB, Ala.: Air University Press, June 1993: 24–25.

Chapter 5
Conclusion
The realization of an air mobility system as extensive as that recommended in this
paper demands the development and integration of a wide range of technologies (table 3).
With the exception of low visibility enhancement and directed energy, each of the above
technologies is currently being developed and validated in the commercial sector.
Because of this, and given the continued paucity of defense research and development
funding, we believe it is necessary that any new air mobility system evolve from the
application of civilian technologies to the problem of airlift. Conversely, any system
conceived and implemented by the military would ideally have some commercial
applicability. If the military could demonstrate the technological feasibility of a concept
and the civilian sector could demonstrate the feasibility of commercial applications of that
technology, both sectors would benefit from the operation of common systems and any
complementary infrastructure. This close cooperation would also enhance air mobility
operations by providing sufficient resources to the commercial market for inclusion in a
57
future version of the CRAF.

Table 3
Required Technologies
System Technology Advantage
Airframe *Lightweight Materials Lighter Weight, Higher Useable
58
Lift
Stronger Structures
*Composites Lighter Weight, Higher Useable
Lift
Stronger Structures
Nanotechnology Self Repair
Expanded Environmental
Operating Parameters
Light Weight/Small Components
Boundary Layer Control Higher Speed
Greater Fuel Efficiency
Articulating Design Allows Use In High Wind Gusts
Power Plants *Ceramics/Metallurgy Allow Higher Temperatures At
Lighter Weights
Greater Thrust
*Advanced Fuels Greater Efficiency
Aircraft Control *Computer Processing Maintenance Of Weight And
Balance During On- and Off-load
Operations
Wind Gust Control
*Enhanced Semi Autonomous
Control
Nanotechnology Self Repair
*Microinertial Navigation
Systems
Reduction Of Weight And Space
Lift Gas Processing Pressure Stabilization Throughout
Flight Regime
Materiel Handling
Equipment
Robotics Reduced Crew Workload
Composites/Metallurgy Lighter, Stronger Structures
Survivability *Multispectral Sensors
(w/enhanced computer
processing)
early identification of threats
*All Weather Operations
Directed Energy (w/enhanced
computer processing)
Defense Against Threats
Total Resource Visibility Computer Processing Allow Near Real Time Updates
To Command And Control
Elements
Communications Across Known
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Communications Security
Simultaneous Access For
Multiple Users
Note: * - applicable to UAVs

The physical aspects of the air mobility system recommended in this paper are
evolutionary. It proposes systems that, with a modicum of technological development,
could be in service by 2025. The concept of operations proposed for the air mobility
system of 2025 is, however, revolutionary. It represents the application of technology to
the capabilities we believe will be required to meet the logistics needs of our military at
that time. These capabilities include responsiveness, point-of-use delivery, direct
extraction from point of use, interoperability, intermodality, survivability, and long
unrefueled range. While some of these activities are possible today, they are not
performed at the level and with the consistency that must exist in 2025.
For the concepts proposed in this paper to become a reality, two events must occur.
First, the ever widening gap between airlift requirements and airlift capability must be
acknowledged. Advanced war-fighting systems are of little utility if the warrior is unable
to sustain, or even join, the fight. Second, emphasis must be placed on those systems that
best solve the problems future conflicts present. Adherence to the adaptation of archaic
systems and ideas to the problems of the future (as the French did before World War II)
only serve to delay the inevitable: the catastrophic failure of a system in the face of
requirements it was never capable of addressing.
The systems presented in this paper address our future air mobility concerns. It is our
hope that what we propose will stimulate a debate that will lead to the development of
innovative solutions to the air mobility problems before us.
59

Bibliography
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Air Mobility Command. 1996 Air Mobility Master Plan. Scott AFB, Ill.: Air Mobility
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Command, 1995.
Asker, James A. “Space Autoland System Shows GPS’ Wide Uses.” Aviation Week &
Space Technology 139, no. 16 (18 October 1993): 54-55.
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