Date of Award

3-26-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Adam D. Reiman, PhD.

Abstract

As the largest consumer of fuel in the Department of Defense, the Air Force continually looks for new ways to advocate aircraft fuel efficiency. Optimal metrics and goals are essential components to encourage efficient flying. This research examined two metrics through quantitative statistical and qualitative criteria analysis, picked the most effective metric, and utilized Goal Setting Theory (GST) to couple the metric with an attainable goal aimed at making Aircraft Commander's (AC's) more fuel efficient. The first metric, M1Cargo Adjusted, uses current sortie planning factors and adjusts these for payload. The second metric, M2Regression, uses regression analysis based on flight time and cargo to determine predicted sortie fuel consumption. It was determined that M1Cargo Adjusted provided a more robust measure of efficiency that would provide AC's a locus of control over metric results. M1Cargo Adjusted was then paired with GST foundational principles of goal specificity, difficulty, and commitment and translated into an efficiency goal aimed at influencing AC behavior and optimizing long-term efficient fuel use.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENS-MS-15-M-119

DTIC Accession Number

ADA615576

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