Increased Capacity Utilizing Aggregation and Consolidation of Contingency Cargo

Abstract

Maximizing use of limited airlift assets is a common problem during large contingency operations. Requirements often exceed airlift capacity and fiscal constraints driving the need to aggregate conveyance loads both within and across business lines (Unit Line Number (ULN), Special Assignment Airlift Mission (SAAM), and sustainment). Current methods of consolidation are completed by planners at the 618th Air Operations Center. This process is completed by piecing email correspondence and making individual localized decisions which are not always consistent with big picture efficiency. United States Transportation Command requested a study to create standard business rules or a methodology that can benefit both manual and automated airlift aggregation decisions. Therefore, this research focuses on the opportunities for reducing the required sorties for the 621st Contingency Response Wing’s Joint Task Force through aggregation and/or consolidation of unit type codes. A working group was created from various subject matter experts to create a methodology that would best work for contingency movements. A literature review was conducted to determine multiple aggregation and consolidation methods that subsequently utilize available vertical cargo space on the aircraft. The methods identified and prescribed by this research reduced the number of sorties required from six to four, resulting in a 33% reduction in required airlift

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