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Summary of "A Modeling Framework for Optimizing F-35A Strategic Basing Decisions to Meet Training Requirements"

Core Content

This report presents a modeling framework aimed at optimizing the strategic basing of the F-35A fighter jet to minimize enterprise-wide flying costs associated with required composite force-training (CFT) events for combat mission-ready (CMR) pilots. The framework is designed to identify the most cost-effective basing locations and training event locations, considering both the operational and strategic needs of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

Main Points

• Strategic Basing Importance: Strategic basing decisions significantly affect the costs and risks of meeting mission requirements. With the F-35A set to become a major part of the USAF fighter force, these decisions are crucial.

• Training Requirements: The F-35A requires advanced training, particularly CFT events, which involve multiple aircraft flying in a large force-employment (LFE) scenario. These events are essential for preparing pilots for operations against advanced threats.

• Model Purpose: The model is intended to support the USAF in making informed basing decisions by minimizing flying hour costs associated with participation in CFT events, while also considering the implications for range modernization and training strategy.

• Model Inputs: The framework uses various inputs including:

  • Candidate F-35A basing locations
  • F-35A attributes (e.g., fuel consumption, cost per flying hour)
  • Pilot training requirements (e.g., number of CFT events per year)
  • Training exercise attributes (e.g., portion of CFTs at advanced ranges, number of aircraft per event)
  • Candidate CFT locations and supporting MDS aircraft wings

• Model Outputs: The model provides:

  • Optimal basing strategy for F-35A wings
  • Training event locations that minimize costs
  • Total flying hour costs for transits to training events
  • Number of aircraft each wing sends to each training event

Key Information

• Optimization Focus: The model uses a mixed integer programming approach to optimize the basing strategy and training event locations together. It focuses on flying hour costs as the sole performance metric.

• Assumptions:

  • Flying hour costs are the only cost considered, as other costs like temporary duty (TDY) are minimal and not variable across basing postures.
  • Basing locations are static, except for the F-35A fleet.
  • Only regional training exercises are considered in the optimization.
  • Training events are treated as interchangeable, with no distinction in platform participation or training benefits.
  • Aircraft are always available for training events, and they are sent in pairs (two-ships), not individually.

• Limitations:

  • The model does not account for potential aircraft failures during transit or at training locations.
  • It assumes that local primary training ranges (PTRs) will continue to be used, though future plans may shift training to simulators and advanced ranges.
  • The framework does not consider all costs and constraints that may be relevant to basing decisions, such as airspace restrictions.

Potential Applications

• Understanding Strategic Basing Value: The framework can help the USAF evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different basing strategies and their implications for overall operations.

• Range Modernization Insights: By identifying the most cost-effective training locations, the model can inform decisions on which ranges should be prioritized for modernization to support fifth-generation training.

• Training Event Planning: It can assist in determining where and how frequently regional training events should be held to minimize flying costs.

Conclusion

The modeling framework is a tool for the USAF to make data-driven strategic basing decisions that align with training requirements and cost considerations. It supports the evaluation of trade-offs between recurring and one-time costs, and provides insights into the optimal distribution of F-35A units and training events to ensure readiness and efficiency.

Structure

• Preface: Highlights the importance of strategic basing in light of the F-35A's training needs and the need for a more systematic approach.

• RAND Project AIR FORCE: Describes the role of PAF in conducting this research and its relevance to the USAF.

• Table of Contents: Provides an overview of the report's structure, including introduction, modeling framework description, mathematical formulation, and potential applications.

• Summary: Outlines the purpose and key components of the model.

• Acknowledgments: Recognizes the contributions of various individuals and organizations involved in the project.

• Abbreviations: Lists the acronyms used in the report.

• Introduction: Explains the significance of training requirements in basing decisions and outlines the model's purpose.

• Modeling Framework Overview: Describes the model's design, objectives, and how it integrates training and basing decisions.

• Assumptions and Limitations: Details the assumptions made and the constraints of the model.

• Organization of This Report: Explains the structure and content of the report.

Recommendations

• The framework should be used to evaluate the cost implications of different basing strategies.

• It can support the identification of cost-effective ranges for modernization.

• The model can inform decisions on the frequency and location of regional training events.

This report is intended to assist USAF policymakers in making informed, cost-effective basing decisions that meet the training requirements of the F-35A fleet.