Army to Deliver Fuel-Efficient Generators to Afghanistan

The U.S. Army will soon field its next generation of operational energy to Afghanistan with a line of leaner, fuel-saving generators expected to transform the way power is delivered to the battlefield.

Known as Advanced Medium Mobile Power Systems, or AMMPS, the generators cut fuel consumption by as much as 21 percent and free up soldiers from fuel convoys often targeted by roadside attacks.

This technology, being delivered to a unit in Afghanistan, serves as the operational energy model for the Army at a time when the Department of Defense is aggressively pursuing efforts to cut fuel consumption, leverage alternative energy sources and improve operational energy efficiencies.

“The balance of new technology that comes with AMMPS, including the right size power generation, power distribution and soldier energy awareness, will save lives on the battlefield,” said Col. Brian Cummings, project manager for Mobile Electric Power, or PM MEP.

Last October, the Army G-4 office estimated 18 percent of U.S. casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq were related to ground resupply.  By lowering fossil fuel consumption in theater, the number of trips made by convoy supply units will be reduced, cutting risk to soldiers.

 In May, the 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, Colo. became the First Unit Equipped with AMMPS. Fielding of AMMPS to Afghanistan will begin in July.

As many as 15 outposts in Afghanistan are targeted to receive the new generators, Cummings said.

The efficiencies brought by AMMPS give combat power back to the soldiers who do not have to spend as much time transporting fuel, maintaining generators or guarding convoys.

“Soldiers need power to run communications gear, weapons systems, tactical operations centers and more,” said Lt. Col. Michael Foster, product manager for medium power sources. “But in Afghanistan, where there’s very little infrastructure, units have to take power with them. To be able to do that in an efficient way allows soldiers to focus on combat operations instead of tactical power.”

AMMPS, being fielded by PM MEP in partnership with the Rapid Equipping Force, are overall 50 percent more reliable than their predecessors, greatly reducing maintenance costs and time. Once fully implemented, the new generators are expected to avoid 346,000 hours of maintenance manpower per year in Afghanistan.

Ranging in size from 5 kilowatts to 60 kilowatts, AMMPS are 21 percent more fuel-efficient than the systems currently in theater, with greater reliability and a 10 percent reduction in size and weight.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines were able to see AMMPS first-hand and ask experts questions about their capabilities during the 2012 MEP User Conference held May 8-10.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Bruce, a soldier with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat team who attended the conference, said he had a chance to train and use AMMPS while stationed in Germany.

“I jumped at the opportunity to use them,” said Bruce. “We hooked it up, used it and loved it. It did everything they said it did.”

During the first fielding the Army will deliver 81 AMMPS to Afghanistan. Over the next 12 months, the Army has the capability to deploy approximately 1,600 AMMPS to theater. At the same time, PM MEP will provide training and energy specialists to assist in the transition.

This is especially important as the Army gears up to field its first integrated package of tactical communications equipment, known as Capability Set 13. AMMPS will better support the power demands of this advanced network than the current power solution, known as Tactical Quiet Generators.

The use of the energy-efficient AMMPS is just one part of a multi-pronged approach to improving energy efficiency for the Army and DOD.

Last year PM MEP deployed the DOD’s first operational microgrid at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The mircogrid consists of “smart” generators that link with one another to intelligently manage the power supply and operate at peak efficiency. The shift from Tactical Quiet Generators to the microgrid system at Bagram showed a 17 percent reduction in fuel use, 85 percent reduction in maintenance man hour requirements and 100 percent power availability.

PM MEP will continue to field innovative power solutions that better leverage energy efficiency and ultimately help protect soldiers on the battlefield.

By Nancy Jones-Bonbrest, PEO C3T

 From www.army.mil

Langley Tests New Fuel Delivery System

By Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman

633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Airmen here are testing a new fuel delivery system that officials say could revolutionize flightline operations and save the Air Force millions of dollars.

The new Hydrant Mobile Refueler has been in development for roughly a year and a half, and it could be implemented throughout the Air Force in 2012, according to the 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management superintendent.

“We’ve added a hydrant connection that we can connect to our Type 3, constant-pressure hydrant system, which will allow us to be able to pump fuel directly from the hydrant system, through the (truck), going straight to the aircraft,” Senior Master Sgt. Patrick Smith said.

In other words, where the R-11 fuel trucks normally pump fuel from their tanks into waiting aircraft, this modification allows the fuel truck to simply serve as a connection point and filter. The fuel stored in underground tanks will travel directly into the aircraft being serviced. One of the major hurdles this modification addresses is servicing heavy aircraft not assigned to Langley.

“When we have large-frame aircraft that come in, and they’re not parked directly on the pits where we can use the pantograph, we can bring the HYMORE truck out,” Smith said. “This truck will be able to pump as much fuel as our system is able to push to it.

“We are here testing a lot of great ideas for the fuels arena,” Smith added. “Langley has been a test base for many years, but this is the one that we are hanging our hat on. Time and money is what we are really excited about with this new HYMORE, and it’s already proven itself here at Langley.”

The 633rd LRS is responsible for all the fuels disbursed on the base, whether ground products like gas or diesel, or jet fuel designated for use in Langley AFB’s fighter jets. Fuels management personnel receive, test and distribute fuel as needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Master Sgt. Joseph Eveson, the 633rd LRS Fuels Management NCO in charge of facilities, said on any given day, fuels management services about 40 aircraft, including Langley AFB’s fighters and any transient aircraft. Fuels management has 14 R-11 fuel trucks to service the aircraft and two trucks designated to service ground vehicles.

“With a standard R-11, you can issue 6,000 gallons, and then you have to come back and fill your truck,” Eveson said. “With the HYMORE, you’re only limited to capacity of the hydrant system — up to 900,000 (gallons) here at Langley.

“Langley is currently the only place that has the system attached to the trucks,” he said. “They are in the process of putting them on out at Nellis (Air Force Base, Nev.). If all goes well at Langley and Nellis, they are going to take them out to the desert.”

Eveson said the HYMORE saves time and money, it’s easier to use and takes fewer people to set up.

“If we’re using the pantograph, you have to take the additional piece of equipment and tow it out to the flightline,” Eveson said. “You have to hook it up, drive five miles an hour to the aircraft, and it takes two people to set up. Once you’re done, its takes two people to take it all apart and drive it back to its spot. With the HYMORE, you can just send one operator with his truck out to the aircraft.”

Eveson said once the system is approved for use Air Force wide, each base would have the option to purchase fuels hydrant service vehicles with the HYMORE modification.

“Instead of buying a new R-11, an R-12 and a pantograph, they could buy an R-11 and get the HYMORE attachment as an add-on,” Eveson said. “A pantograph costs about $130,000; an HSV costs about $200,000. The HYMORE costs about $18,000; so you’re looking at saving hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Eveson said another benefit of the modification is that it requires almost zero training for the refueling operators because it is such a simple piece of equipment to operate.

Senior Airman Lloyd Nau, a 633rd LRS refueling operator, works out of the fuels management section on the northern end of the flightline. He said using the trucks with the modification can save 45 minutes to an hour for every fueling operation.

“The biggest benefit would be that it stops us from having to come all the way back here to fill up our truck, and then go all the way back out to the aircraft and hook back up to it,” Nau said. “We can stay on the aircraft the entire time and refuel it.”

Smith said the Air Force would consider the HYMORE a success once it determines trucks with the modification can service aircraft at the same rate, or better, than the current equipment can. He said since 633rd LRS personnel have already done that, now it’s just a matter of working out the details.

“The next step would be that we would have this on the next (purchase),” Smith said. “That’s why we are testing hot and heavy here at Langley, because we are trying to get the data and provide it to the engineers. We’ve already leaned way forward on this, and it is something you are probably going to see before this year is out.”

Air Mobility Maintainers Help Air Force Cut Down Fuel Costs

By Capt. Kathleen Ferrero

Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

Air mobility maintainers are helping to secure the future by becoming more fuel efficient, officials said.

Maintenance professionals are working to avoid future expenses by lightening loads on KC-135 Stratotankers and C-5 Galaxies; they’re also cutting back on use of gas-guzzling aircraft auxiliary power units.

One initiative that is making a huge impact is the KC-135′s Reduction in Zero Fuel Weight program, officials said. Until recently, the KC-135 was required to carry 8,800 pounds of extra fuel to maintain center of gravity and ensure constant flow through the fuel system. That fuel is separate from the fuel needed to refuel other aircraft — KC-135s can takeoff with as much as 322,500 pounds. Because aircraft burn fuel to carry fuel, it made sense to minimize this requirement, officials said.

Now, maintainers fuel half of the original amount required to cover the ballasts and center of gravity, said Maj. Mark Blumke, a fuel efficiency manager at Air Mobility Command’s Directorate of Logistics. This is largely due to upgrades, like heavier avionics equipment, that helps to distribute center of gravity.

Eventually, the goal is to modify the KC-135 to completely eliminate the required ballast fuel, reducing aircraft take-off weight even further, he said.

Likewise, maintainers are placing the military’s heaviest lifter on a weight loss program. C-5s have five systems currently identified to be removed to reduce weight and burn less fuel, Blumke said: the low pressure pneumatic system; protective armor; water storage tanks; portable water tank; and weight and balance computer.

The five systems will be removed in the field by Time Compliance Technical Order over the next one to two years, Blumke said.

“Removal will coincide with other maintenance activities and will not drive aircraft downtime,” he said.

“The systems are being removed because they are expensive to maintain or were made obsolete by upgrades; and they no longer serve a functional purpose on the aircraft,” Blumke said.

Another system that maintenance experts are working to change is the use of aircraft auxiliary power units. According to the AMC Fuel Efficiency Office, C-5, C-17 Globemaster III and KC-10 Extender aircraft operated approximately 76,609 sorties in fiscal 2011. Reducing APU use on each of these sorties by 1.5 hours could have saved nearly $700,000 per month.

For this reason, the command now directs minimal usage of APUs wherever aerospace ground equipment can be used in their place. Also, in February 2011, AMC’s logistics directorate launched the Mobility Air Forces Maintenance APU Usage Tracking Program to monitor how efficiently the equipment is being used around the world, Blumke said.

“Fuel efficiency has to be a factor in every decision we make,” he said. “Every dollar saved on fuel is a dollar that can be spent caring for Airmen, the mission and other Air Force priorities.

“Our maintenance professionals are helping to lead the way so that we can focus on those priorities in the future,” Blumke said.

Small Businesses Important to DOD Energy Plans, Official Says

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2012 – Small businesses are an important part of the Defense Department’s plans for better managing how it uses energy, the assistant secretary of defense for operational energy plans and programs said.

Sharon E. Burke spoke to about 450 audience members at the Operational Energy Capabilities Improvement Fund’s Small Business Conference in Crystal City, Va., March 2.

“The fact is, small businesses and entrepreneurs matter to DOD,” Burke said. “Small businesses are a hub of ideas and innovation.”

Throughout government, Burke said, the Defense Department has taken the lead on releasing funds for small businesses to compete on energy-related contracts. “We often find a powerful combination when small businesses team with large companies” on defense programs, she said.

Officials last year released the department’s first operational energy strategy, which factors energy use into battlefield plans. About 75 percent of the department’s energy use comes from operations, rather than fixed installations. The military’s increasing energy reliance has increased security risks and budgets, Burke said.

Under the new strategy, military equipment, as well as military members, will use less energy and more alternative forms of energy, such as solar power and biological fuels, rather than fossil fuels, Burke said.

Solid operational energy policy and plans can help the military meet its commitments, ranging from fighting current conflicts and defending the homeland to countering cyber threats and responding to humanitarian needs, Burke said.

“Put simply, our armed forces will have to be as adaptable and agile as they are lethal and robust,” she said.

Energy conservation becomes increasingly important as defense budgets shrink, Burke said. “Even while more demands are put on the department, more money will not be available for defense spending,” she said. “We will have to learn how to do more with less.

“I see energy as a key part of this solution,” she continued. “By operating more efficiently and incorporating energy into our plans and operations, we can realize multiplier effects by gaining capability without increased costs.”

Burke said she anticipates that Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta soon will release the implementation plan for the operational energy strategy, which she said will:

-- Measure energy consumption in operations;

-- Improve energy performance and efficiency;
-- Promote operational energy innovation;
-- Improve operational energy security at installations;
-- Promote the development of alternative fuels;
-- Incorporate energy security considerations into requirements and acquisitions; and
-- Adapt policy, doctrine, military education and combatant command activities.

This year’s defense budget created the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund to invest in science and technology to improve energy performance, Burke said. The fund is intended to provide seed money to develop long-term capabilities for the services to operate more efficiently in combat theaters, she said.

Burke outlined several programs under way to reduce operational energy costs, particularly with heating and air conditioning and tent efficiency in forward deployed areas.

“The work each of these programs is doing -- and each of you as businesses who can contribute your considerable expertise and insights to the department -- is incredibly important,” she said. “You are helping take risk for our troops and missions out of the equation.”

Ohio Airmen Help F-16 Go ‘Green’

By Tech. Sgt. Mareshah Haynes
Defense Media Activity

TOLEDO, Ohio (AFNS) – In a joint effort by airmen from the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, the F-16 Fight Falcon is currently undergoing a field service evaluation of biofuel.

As the largest consumer of energy in the Defense Department and $8 billion spent on fuel in fiscal 2011, Air Force officials are working toward making the fleet a little “greener” by researching, testing and ultimately implementing the use of alternative fuels.

Although other airframes, such as the C-17 Globemaster III, have been certified to use biofuel for unrestricted operations, this is the first evaluation of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Two F-16s from the 180th FW fleet have been designated to test the 50/50 blend of Jet Propellant-8 petroleum and Hydroprocessed Renewable Jet fuel derived from the camelina plant. Camelina is essentially a weed that grows throughout the United States and requires very little horticulture.

The 180th FW was an ideal location for the fuel test because of its proximity to Wright-Patterson AFB, where the Air Force Research Laboratory is located, and its continued focus on green energy. In 2011, the wing was awarded the Reduced Energy Appreciation Program Award by the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency’s Air Force Facility Energy Center.

“It’s part of the Air Force’s strategic goals to be able to reduce energy across the Air Force, so we really embrace that,” said Col. Steve Nordhaus, the 180th FW commander. “We’re trying to do everything we can to reduce energy costs because we know that every dollar we save there, we can use to buy more aircraft that protect our country or help support Airmen who are out there doing critical missions that affect our homeland defense.”

The jets have been flying with the blend since mid-December and will continue until the test sample is depleted.

“Our ability to exercise and use this stuff on a small scale or case-by-case basis makes us ideally suited to test the fuel,” said Col. William Gieze, the 180th Mission Support Group commander.

The staff at AFRL worked with commercial fuel manufacturers to develop a blend that would meet Air Force specifications. Considerations such as the flash and freeze points of the fuel were some of the major factors when determining the specifications for the F-16.

“Manufacturers are making alternative fuels for both the military and commercial customers,” said Dr. Tim Edwards, a senior chemical engineer for the AFRL fuels division. “Typically, they’ll send samples of their fuel, and we’ll evaluate and say, ‘Yes, you’re on the right track, this could be a jet fuel.’ When they get to the point where they can make large enough quantities, we’ll hand them over them off to the Alternative Fuels Certification office.”

The Air Force goal, by 2016, is to have half of the fuel that is purchased domestically to be at least a 50/50 blend of conventional and alternative fuel, Edwards said.

Another goal for the researchers and developers was to make the transition as seamless as possible. To date, there has been no additional training, equipment or maintenance required to begin using the fuel.

“When we first started this we were a little concerned because a few years ago we made the switch from JP4 to JP8 jet fuel,” said Col. Scott Reed, the 180th Maintenance Group commander. “The difference between the two caused a few hiccups initially. Some of the gaskets and O-rings didn’t expand as they normally would in the presence of the fuel, so we had leaks.”

The colonel likened the process to driving a car from Los Angeles at sea level to the Rocky Mountains. Adjustments need to be made for the car to operate at peak performance at different elevations. But with the new fuel blend, the transition has been totally transparent.

After each flight, the pilots complete a debrief form and each week the fuels technicians complete a debrief form to provide data to the Alternative Fuels Certification office about how the jets are performing with the new fuel blend.

And just as in real world operations, the jets designated for the test can refuel from the same tanker as the rest of their fleet during mission. Since biofuels may not be available at every base, or some overseas locations, the fuel blend must be interchangeable with standard JP-8.

“The truth of it is there has been absolutely no noticeable difference whatsoever,” Reed said. “There have been no fuel leaks, no operational impact.”

Once all of the data is collected and analyzed and any issues are rectified, the fuel can be certified to be used for all F-16s.

“The fact that we’re going to be doing something that not only affects the Air National Guard, but the total force was really our end goal,” Gieze said. “We really want to see the F-16 get certified on this and allow our country some other avenues for fuel.”

Army Unveils World’s First Military Fleet of Fuel Cell Vehicles

HONOLULU (Feb. 22, 2012) — U.S. Army, Pacific, today unveiled a fleet of 16 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that the military services in Hawaii are testing in an effort to research efficient, clean and renewable energy sources, and reduce the U.S. military’s dependence on petroleum.

“The Army continues to investigate technologies and partnerships that give the United States a decisive advantage,” said Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, commanding general of U.S. Army, Pacific. “These fuel cell vehicles will help move the U.S. Army in the Pacific toward a sustainable path that reduces energy security challenges and strengthens our energy independence.”

During a Feb. 22 ceremony at historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, officials from the services — U.S. Army, Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Pacific Air Forces and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific — government leaders, including U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz and Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, and industry partners demonstrated the use of the 16 General Motors hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The zero-emission vehicles, funded by the Army Tank Automotive Research Development Engineering Center, or TARDEC, Office of Naval Research and Air Force Research Laboratories, are being tested in Hawaii’s ideal climate for real-world conditions reflecting each service’s needs.

“Our pursuit of alternative energy is closely tied to our commitment to continually adapt to an ever-changing security environment,” said George Ka’iliwai, director of Resources and Assessment for U.S. Pacific Command. “Defense relationships and military approaches alone can’t solve all of our energy challenges, but they underpin the initiatives we’re taking within the Department of Defense to reduce the dependence on foreign sources of energy.”

The military fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles serves as the test platform powered by renewable hydrogen, travels up to 200 miles on a single charge, refuels in five minutes and produces zero emissions.

“The test data collected will be analyzed to make fuel cell technology practical in future operational platforms,” said James Muldoon, science officer, U.S. Army, Pacific.

“The development of fuel cell vehicles and an associated transportation infrastructure on which new military and civilian fleets can be tested and employed will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help move our state and country forward,” said Inouye. “Hawaii is uniquely situated to benefit from the shift toward electric and fuel cell vehicles.”

The Army actively seeks and supports industry partnerships to increase compatible renewable energy development. Fielding of military fuel cell vehicles with the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines is the latest effort of the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative, a partnership among 13 agencies, companies and universities. More information on the initiative can be found online at www.hydrogen2hawaii.com.

“Once the key hydrogen infrastructure elements are proven in Hawaii, other states can adopt a similar approach,” said Charles Freese, executive director of global fuel cell activities for General Motors, a founding partner of the Hawaii Hydrogen Initiative. “The military is paving the way, demonstrating the practicality and applicability of this technology.”