A Study of the Economics of Fighter Aircraft Self Sufficiency

The difference in life cycle costs between two new fighter aircraft configurations, one with an Auxiliary Power Unit and one without, was determined. For each aircraft configuration the study also considered the cost of varying degrees of support from ground power units. New ground power units were assumed to be required for engine starting bleed air, hydraulics, and electrical power. The study was based on a fleet of 750 aircraft over a 20 year life with a mix of peacetime and wartime operations.