战略与国际研究中心-Special-Operations-Forces-Aviation_77页_3mb

Summary of Special Operations Forces Aviation at the Crossroads

Core Content

The report Special Operations Forces Aviation at the Crossroads, published in September 2007 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), examines the evolving needs and challenges of Special Operations Forces (SOF) aviation. It highlights that SOF aviation is at a critical juncture due to the increasing demands of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) and the need for modernization and strategic re-evaluation.

Main Issues and Findings

1. Fixed-wing Aviation

• Current Fleet and Challenges: The C-130 fleet is aging, and there is a need for a more diverse and lethal threat environment. The CV-22 tilt-rotor has been introduced, but more advanced deep insertion aircraft and gunships may be needed in the future.
• Strategic Planning: The Department of Defense (DoD) should develop a robust strategic SOF aviation plan, including funding for manpower, operations and maintenance, spares, and upgrades.
• Fleet Management: The current 1:1 replacement policy for fixed-wing assets is insufficient. SOF aviation requires a 4:1 ratio to support training, extended deployment, and combat readiness, but this may not be sustainable in the long term.
• Funding and Acquisition: The Major Force Program (MFP-11) does not fund the acquisition of SOF aircraft, only specialized equipment and upgrades. This creates a dependency on the Air Force and Army for major R&D and production costs.

2. Rotary-wing Aviation

• Operational Toll: The GWOT has significantly increased the use and loss rates of SOF helicopters, with 10% of the AFSOC fleet lost between 2001 and 2005.
• Future Fleet Requirements: The future SOF helicopter fleet should be sized to meet the planned expansion of SOF. A mix of light, medium, and heavy helicopters will be necessary.
• Tilt-rotors: Advanced tilt-rotors may be developed for joint heavy lift, but survivability in a more lethal threat environment remains a challenge.
• Organizational Challenges: The small size of the SOF aviation fleet and limited budget make it difficult to sustain and expand. There is also friction between SOCOM and the services.

3. Unmanned Air Systems (UAS)

• Current Use: UAS such as the Predator are already in heavy use and are becoming a critical part of the SOF arsenal.
• Future Potential: UAS can be used for surveillance, strike, and airlift roles. However, there is a need for more medium-altitude endurance orbits.
• Operational Questions: There are key questions about de-confliction, force allocation, and whether SOF should "borrow" or own major UAS assets.
• Cost and Integration: UAS present a new expense for SOF aviation, and the demand for more orbits is growing.

Key Recommendations

• Independent Commission: The report recommends the creation of an independent commission to address the expansion of SOF aviation, including policy development and force structure implications.
• Strategic Re-evaluation: The current organizational structure and acquisition strategy may not be adequate for the future demands of SOF. A re-evaluation of how SOF aviation is planned and managed is necessary.
• Modernization and Innovation: There is a need for major investments in money, strategy, and organizational processes to develop new technologies such as stealth and vertical lift capabilities.
• Joint Heavy Lift Vertical (JHLV): The DoD is exploring the JHLV option, but rotary-wing technology is approaching physical limits, leading some to consider replacing helicopters entirely.

Conclusion

The report concludes that SOF aviation is under increasing pressure due to the expanding roles and responsibilities of SOF in the GWOT. The current structure, which was designed for a smaller force and more limited missions, is no longer sufficient. A comprehensive strategic approach is needed to ensure that SOF aviation can support the growing demands of the future. This includes re-evaluating funding, acquisition, and organizational structures, as well as exploring new technologies and capabilities.

Key Authors and Contributors

• Clark A. Murdock – Senior adviser in the CSIS International Security Program, with expertise in strategic planning, defense policy, and national security affairs.
• Rebecca Grant – Founder and president of IRIS Independent Research, with a background in defense and aerospace consulting.
• Richard Comer – Retired Major General of the USAF, with extensive experience in SOF aviation and command roles.
• Thomas P. Ehrhard – Senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, with research interests in UAVs and air strategy.

Summary of SOF Aviation's Role

SOF aviation is essential to the success of special operations, providing critical support in direct and indirect missions. It includes a range of platforms such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and UAS. These platforms are used for precise close-air support, combat mobility, refueling, psychological operations, and insertion. However, the current fleet is aging, and the demand for more aircraft is growing, necessitating a re-evaluation of the SOF aviation program.

Future Outlook

The future of SOF aviation is uncertain. While there are positive forces at play, such as increased attention from the QDR report and funding for combat loss replacements, the report warns of a looming crisis due to aging inventory and the need for significant investment in new capabilities. The report calls for a more strategic and comprehensive approach to SOF aviation to meet the demands of the evolving security environment.