The 21st Century Tactical Airlifter

This paper presents the results of a broad-based investigation of mission and jobs for a future tactical airlift system and an assessment of the technologies needed to develop the 21st century tactical airlifter. The need for a tactical airlift system was determined and deficiencies of existing airlift assets highlighted. These needs and deficiencies provided the requirements to develop concepts to assure proper airlift capability. Operational concepts for employment of these airlift vehicles were devised to show now an Advanced Tactical Transport (ATT) could operate on the future battlefield. Supportability, including reliability and maintainability, assessments were made. Technology required to develop the concepts was assessed along with the benefits derived by the adoption of various technologies. Roadmaps are provided showing the development of the technologies needed and the funding required for their evolution are provided. Schedules were devised based on a Technology Availability Data (TAD) of 1995 and an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of 2005 to illustrate the steps necessary to acquire an advanced tactical transport which will satisfy airlift mission requirements on the battlefield of the future.