Abstract
PurposeVertical lift (VL) assets are vital and expensive resources in humanitarian missions. What and where supplies are needed evolves in short time following a disaster. The purpose of this paper is to offer analysis to understand the range of capabilities of these assets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use scenario analysis to investigate the tradeoff between two key capabilities of VL, agility and speed. The authors do this by generating loads and distances randomly, based on historical data. In post hoc analysis, based on different factors, the authors investigate the impact of configuration of Expeditionary Strike Force (ESG) on providing disaster relief.FindingsThe authors find the most effective deployment of VL in a HADR mission is in supplying essentials to victims in a focused region. Delivering sustainment requirements leads to substantial shortfall for survival needs. If the configuration of the ESGs were changed for HADR, it would better-meet the demand.Research limitations/implicationsCargo capacity is modeled assuming every aircraft type was equal, in terms of mean and variance of cargo-capacity utilization. Detailed information on cargo-bay configurations was beyond the scope of our model and data. However, this means the benefit of standardizing cargo load-outs and the variability associated with randomized load-outs may be understated in the results.Practical implicationsThe analysis presents decision-makers with projections of VL asset performance in the early stages of disaster relief, to assist in planning and contingency planning.Originality/valueThis research deals exclusively with the most critical but expensive capabilities for HADR: VL. The in-depth analysis illustrates the limitations and benefits of this capability.
Highlights
When a major disaster strikes, military and non-military organizations exploit their capabilities and available resources to help
We focus on the time when US Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) vertical lift assets reached the disaster area
The UH-1 and V-22 Aircraft provide significant capability for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) that the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) lacks. This has to do with their different missions: the CSG primarily supports fixed-wing aircraft for warfighting missions, while the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) primarily supports vertical lift aircraft, intended to provide support for operational maneuvers on shore
Summary
When a major disaster strikes, military and non-military organizations exploit their capabilities and available resources to help. US Navy (USN) is one such organization. USN has been providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to nations for a long time. © In accordance with section 105 of the US Copyright Act, this work has been produced by a US government employee and shall be considered a public domain work, as copyright protection is not available. Published in Journal of Defense Analytics and Logistics.
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