The Air Force has decided that it can simplify money management—and save bucks—by making Air Force Material Command the daddy rabbit for the bulk of its sustainment needs. Starting Oct. 1, AFMC becomes the executive agent for all other major commands for such things as aviation fuel, nonrepairable parts, depot-level aircraft, missile, and engine overhauls. USAF plans to stage this huge changeover over several years, in three spirals through Fiscal 2010.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.