Shaw AFB, S.C., is the first Air Force base to employ a new hybrid refueling truck and plans to operate it in a one-year test to determine whether the 72,000-pound vehicle will indeed save money and reduce emissions. Shaw currently uses diesel trucks to refuel aircraft, making about 1,600 trips from the fuel storage area to waiting aircraft every month. The hybrid has a diesel engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on fourth-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.