Analysis of the Next Generation Small Loader in Reducing the Mobility Footprint

The impact the Next Generation Small Loader (NGSL) will have on reducing the mobility footprint has not been thoroughly explored. The global mobility system cannot function without adequate Materiel Handling Equipment (MHE). MHE of the future must be multi-purpose in design and should able to support multiple weapon systems. In addition, it will require less maintenance and be easier to deploy thus making air mobility operations more responsive to customer needs. Current MHE is old and labor intensive. The Air Mobility Command's (AMC's) small loaders, especially 25K loaders, are in very poor condition and are incapable of servicing KC-10s and commercial wide-body aircraft. AMC's fleet of wide-body elevator loaders (WBELs) are capable of servicing commercial wide-body aircraft, but have also exceeded their designed service life. Both the 25K loader and WBEL require replacement with a more reliable and flexible loader. AMC is currently exploring a Non-developmental Item (NDI) loader in the NGSL. This loader will be capable of servicing KC-10s and commercial wide-body aircraft. The NGSL combines the capabilities of the 25K loader and the WBEL. This technology, coupled with the new Tunner 60K loader, will improve cargo loading and unloading efficiency by providing highly mobile, flexible, and reliable MHE capable of servicing all types of cargo aircraft. This study is an analysis of how the NGSL will benefit cargo-loading operations by reducing the mobility footprint, in terms of manpower, operating cost, aircraft loading times, aircraft capacity, and vehicle authorizations.