Author

Murat Toydas

Date of Award

3-10-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Department

Department of Operational Sciences

First Advisor

Alan W. Johnson, PhD

Abstract

Fuel is a critical strategic asset for military aviation operations, yet is increasingly expensive. Air refueling offers both the opportunity to extend aircraft range and the potential to save fuel by enabling a transport aircraft to depart with less fuel in exchange for additional cargo. We evaluate the practicality of air refueling in terms of fuel savings versus distance and cargo quantity, by introducing two non-linear optimization models that examine the tradeoff between departure fuel weight and loaded cargo for given origin, destination, and tanker base positions and freight quantities to be moved. We use various numerical example scenarios to show that substantial fuel savings from air refueling are possible.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-LSCM-ENS-10-12

DTIC Accession Number

ADA516946

Share

COinS