A 3rd Cavalry Regiment motor transport operator configures the route for an autonomous convoy using a ruggedized tablet
while a Combined Arms Support Command officer reviews the plan. (Photo by Bruce Huffman)
components. Michigan Technological University has even developed a
desktop 3-D printer and welder that
produces steel components. AM capability is a near-term technology
that will contribute significantly to
the expeditionary capabilities of the
Army.
AM technology may achieve these
sustainment benefits:
Meet demands at the point of
consumption.
Improve customer wait time and
other supply performance metrics.
Reduce authorized stockage list
lines.
Ensure the operational readiness
of combat systems.
Reduce supply chain demand.
Reduce the logistics footprint.
Suppose a critical combat system
on the battlefield is deadlined because it needs a particular part. The
part is back ordered, and the estimated ship date is two months away. AM
will allow that supply support activity
to produce the part in one day, reducing the wait time by at least 60 days
and increasing operational readiness.
16 Army Sustainment
Automated Aerial Resupply
The delivery of cargo as far forward
as possible is the ideal situation for
reducing the supply chain. Cargo
unmanned aerial systems can deliver
cargo farther forward on the battlefield without endangering the lives
of Soldiers. Autonomous aerial delivery provides point-to-point delivery routes (air corridors) that increase
throughput and allow for the remote
delivery of materiel in most environments.
One such platform, the Kaman
K-MAX helicopter, is a near-term
technology currently being employed
by Marines operating in Afghanistan. K-MAX provides cargo delivery when weather, terrain, and enemy
actions pose unreasonable risk to air
and ground assets.
The use of this unmanned aerial resupply platform has increased
throughput while reducing the operational and maintenance costs
typically associated with rotary wing
support. Most importantly, autonomous delivery reduces risk to Soldiers and offers a speedy distribution
capability.
Several benefits can potentially be
achieved through autonomous aerial
resupply technologies:
Reduce delivery times.
Increase responsiveness through
on-demand delivery.
Remove risk to Soldiers while offering delivery to remote locations.
Ensure operational readiness of
combat systems.
Reduce the demand for ground
convoys and their security escorts.
Support expeditionary maneuver.
Envision a combined arms battalion in need of emergency resupply
during intense combat operations
and inclement weather while all
ground supply routes are restricted.
Imagine an unmanned aerial platform bypassing these constraints and
expediting the emergency resupply
operation to provide critical materiel.
Water From Air System
Water produced at the point of
need will reduce, if not eliminate, the
requirement to transport water the
length of the logistics tail. The water from air system (WFAS) extends
freedom of maneuver for command-