Question 4: What are the addendum capabilities an air mobility capability should offer given its "semi-persistent" presence across the operating environment? Air mobility is a fundamental part of the wider concept of air power; a view that sees joint effects delivered from and in the air in support of the other domains of land, sea, space and cyber.?This is a critical idea because it supposes that air mobility is not a pillar standing alone.?? The air lift systems that deliver air mobility: -???????connect into, support and are supported by the joint and coalition logistics system -???????naturally and necessarily integrate with coalition systems -???????planned and managed through the joint air battle management system -???????globally connected for management and situational awareness -???????repetitively and semi-persistently present widely across the continuum of conflict including through peace time, transition to conflict, within conflict, and after conflict -???????some systems such as tankers hold long periods in semi-static conditions -???????leave and enter the theatre of conflict and will likely visit other allied, supporting, and neutral nations -???????support the safe travel of national and military leaders to critical dialogue resulting from conflict In short, these systems are pervasive and interconnected.?They also have a very low density across the theatre except when they “swarm” to support a focussed military strategy. At his presentation to the Williams Foundation in 2016, LTGEN David USMC proposed: “Every platform a SENSOR, every platform a SHOOTER, every platform a SHARE/ CONNECTOR, and every platform an EW Node.” Subject to affordability, practical implementation, value for money and opportunity cost, this approach offers force level resilience, enhancement, and insight across the widest area.?If operated throughout the continuum of conflict it also normalises our efforts in peacetime while creating increased uncertainty for adversaries in conflict. There are four broad classes of addendum capability air refuelling, surveillance and reconnaissance, communications, weapons. Air refuelling includes to offload fuel, consolidate airborne fuel and to enable enhance payload and range.?I note that with only seven KC30 and over 100 boom and 24 probe refuellable receivers the ratio of supply to demand for air refuel in RAAF is exceptionally low and unlikely to support enduring air operations over a wide area.?I also note the likely presence of US Navy within the theatre. This presence brings many more probe refuelled aircraft and the potential for some Australian and other helicopters to be air refuellable in future. Continued in Part 2
