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.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
