by Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
6/28/2011 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- Officials in Air Mobility Command's Future Concepts Office and Fuel Efficiency Office are co-hosting the "Future Aircraft Fuel Efficiency Days" conference here from June 27 to 29.
The conference is designed to allow AMC experts to work with industry partners to gather information on "near-term-to-future material solutions" that could contribute to greater fuel efficiency, specifically information on advanced engines, fuel types and aircraft designs.
While the theme is directed toward AMC achieving the goal of more fuel efficient operations, many of the concepts and designs will apply to multiple weapons systems and operations, FEO officials said. The conference is part of a continuing effort by AMC leaders to find ways to improve fuel efficiency throughout the command.
In February, AMC officials hosted a fuel efficiency summit with other major commands at Scott AFB to share and collaborate on ideas and initiatives that would improve fuel efficiency across the Air Force. In the summit, attendees discussed and further developed initiatives that included data collection, operational efficiencies and new technologies.
FEO officials said industry partners submitted abstracts for use in this week's conference. They include a company's material solution that "could significantly increase" the fuel efficiency of transport and tanker aircraft and how the material solution would be integrated into air mobility operations to achieve significant fuel efficiency. The abstracts also include a timeline for operational implementation.
Information gained from the conference will be used to enhance continuous exchange of aircraft fuel efficiency problems, practices and solutions among government organizations. Additionally, information gained could be used to inform senior leaders and become the basis for defining requirements. Selected companies will be presenting briefings on their submitted topics.
Every day, FEO representatives reach out to people across the entire mobility enterprise, said Col. Bobby Fowler, FEO chief.
"It's an effort built into the office's charter," Colonel Fowler said. "Energy is an operations enabler for the Air Force and the FEO has a mission to consolidate and lead aviation fuel conservation efforts throughout the mobility air forces while maximizing effectiveness. This conference helps us achieve that mission."
