Modified C-17 taxi procedures: a fuel cost savings exploration
| dc.contributor.author | Wells, Michael | en |
| dc.contributor.author | Kretser, Michael | en |
| dc.contributor.author | Hazen, Ben | en |
| dc.contributor.author | Weir, Jeffery | en |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-02-27T14:18:01Z | en |
| dc.date.available | 2025-02-27T14:18:01Z | en |
| dc.date.issued | 2020-07-02 | en |
| dc.description.abstract | Purpose: This study aims to explore the viability of using C-17 reduced-engine taxi procedures from a cost savings and capability perspective. Design/methodology/approach: This study model expected engine fuel flow based on the number of operational engines, aircraft gross weight (GW) and average aircraft groundspeed. Using this model, the research executes a cost savings simulation estimating the expected annual savings produced by the proposed taxi methodology. Operational and safety risks are also considered. Findings: The results indicate that significant fuel and costs savings are available via the employment of reduced-engine taxi procedures. On an annual basis, the mobility air force has the capacity to save approximately 1.18 million gallons of jet fuel per year ($2.66m in annual fuel costs at current rates) without significant risk to operations. The two-engine taxi methodology has the ability to generate capable taxi thrust for a maximum GW C-17 with nearly zero risks. Research limitations/implications: This research was limited to C-17 procedures and efficiency improvements specifically, although it suggests that other military aircraft could benefit from these findings as is evident in the commercial airline industry. Practical implications: This research recommends coordination with the original equipment manufacturer to rework checklists and flight manuals, development of a fleet-wide training program and evaluation of future aircraft recapitalization requirements intended to exploit and maximize aircraft surface operation savings. Originality/value: If implemented, the proposed changes would benefit the society as government resources could be spent elsewhere and the impact on the environment would be reduced. This research conducted a rigorous analysis of the suitability of implementing a civilian airline’s best practice into US Air Force operations. | en |
| dc.description.version | Published version | en |
| dc.format.extent | Pages 129-145 | en |
| dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | en |
| dc.identifier.doi | https://doi.org/10.1108/jdal-05-2019-0009 | en |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2399-6439 | en |
| dc.identifier.issue | 2 | en |
| dc.identifier.orcid | Kretser, Michael [0000-0002-5484-452X] | en |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10919/124733 | en |
| dc.identifier.volume | 4 | en |
| dc.language.iso | en | en |
| dc.publisher | Emerald | en |
| dc.rights | Public Domain (U.S.) | en |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/ | en |
| dc.title | Modified C-17 taxi procedures: a fuel cost savings exploration | en |
| dc.title.serial | Journal of Defense Analytics and Logistics | en |
| dc.type | Article - Refereed | en |
| dc.type.dcmitype | Text | en |
| pubs.organisational-group | Virginia Tech | en |