Date of Award

9-1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

John A. Stibravy, PhD

Abstract

This thesis examined the concept of 'ramp-to-ramp' aircraft transfers in the Foreign Military Sales Program. Avoidance of storage costs was the major benefit of this concept, and the lack of support equipment and spare parts are the major drawbacks. Planning and coordination, logistical problems, and conflicting USAF regulations, programs, and policies were examined to determine the effect each had on the 'ramp-to-ramp' transfer of the last remaining F-5 aircraft to FMS countries. A study of background papers, electronic messages, minutes from meetings, and published articles was used to develop an understanding of the organization and planning process involved with the 'ramp- to-ramp' transfer of aircraft. Personal interviews described strengths, weaknesses, and problems. The concept worked better in theory than in practice. The lack of sufficient support equipment to accompany delivery of the aircraft was the most constraining factor. Political considerations, lack of logistical planning tools, and conflicting organizational goals reduced the effectiveness of 'ramp-to-ramp' transfers. The problems associated with the 'ramp-to-ramp' concept may be alleviated through better management of support equipment, elimination of individual organizational goals, a systematic view of FMS, and a modernization of the weapon systems in the forces of allied and friendly nations.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GLM-LSR-91S-16

DTIC Accession Number

ADA246733

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Presented to the Faculty of the School of Systems and Logistics of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air University, in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science

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