DOD Can Save Millions by Using Energy Efficient Centralized Aircraft Support Systems

Gao ID: PLRD-82-64 May 7, 1982

GAO evaluated the actions taken by the Air Force and the Navy to use standard centralized aircraft support systems in lieu of mobile equipment to provide air and electric power to support aircraft while on the ground.

The Department of Defense can save millions of dollars annually and can reduce consumption of fuel now being used to operate mobile, ground-support equipment by millions of gallons if new energy-efficient, centralized systems were used at certain Air Force and Navy bases. The Air Force and the Navy have developed and installed several different centralized systems which have realized some degree of success. However, each service has developed its centralized systems independently. Consequently, there is no commonality between the services' systems which could permit economical procurements. Standardization would prevent duplication of design efforts and assure the most economic quantities for buying system components. There are additional benefits in the use of the centralized system which include: the reduction of vehicle traffic on the parking apron, reduced exhaust heat, reduced noise and air pollution, the need for fewer personnel, reduced maintenance time, less chance of engine damage from foreign objects, or of damage to parked aircraft during the moving of mobile equipment. Substantial savings also can be realized by installing the centralized systems concurrently with major airport construction projects. The need for mobile equipment will be reduced as the centralized systems are installed. GAO believes that, with proper planning and realinement of operating procedures, tactical bases can use centralized systems to support most of their daily operations, maintain their mobile equipment, and have trained personnel for deployment.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Henry W. Connor Team: General Accounting Office: Procurement, Logistics, and Readiness Division Phone: (202) 275-4141


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