Evaluating the C-17 Semi-Prepared Runway Capability an Off Road Map

The Army and Air Force jointly satisfy the Defense Planning Guidance requirement for forcible entry into non-permissive environments through Strategic Brigade Airdrop (SBA). The C-17 is the aircraft of choice for the SBA due to its outsized cargo carrying capacity, unlimited range due to air refueling and short landing capability. When performed solely by the C-17, the SBA consists of 53 airdrop (Alpha Echelon) and 48 airland (Bravo Echelon) sorties to deliver the XVIII Airborne Division's Ready Brigade-Medium This paper focuses on the challenges of delivering the Bravo Echelon to a single semi-prepared runway (SPR) within the 20-hour window, a capability the C-17 has yet to demonstrate. The yet-to-be-resolved issues include the ability of SPRs to support the weight of the C-17, the inaccuracy of takeoff and landing data, and the inability to predict the ability of targeted SPRs to support intended operations.