Notes on Military Aircraft Operating Costs

Introduction

• Military aircraft are crucial for national security: air superiority, ground support, intelligence gathering, logistics.
• Focus today: the cost of operating US military aircraft.

Overview of Costs

• 2018 Report by GAO: Total operating cost for US military aircraft fleets was $49 billion.
• Analysis included over 40 different aircraft types.

Fighter Jets Operating Costs

• A10 Thunderbolt: $22,531 per hour (heavy maintenance demands).
• F-16 Fighting Falcon: $26,998 per hour (versatile, used globally).
• F-15EX: $29,000 per hour (latest variant).
• F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: $34,445 per hour (high performance).
• F-35 Joint Strike Fighter: $41,988 per hour (efforts to lower costs ongoing).
• F-22 Raptor: $85,325 per hour (advanced stealth technology).

Bomber Aircraft Operating Costs

• B-52H Stratofortress: $883.54 per hour (over 60 years old, reliable).
• B-2 Spirit: $115,740 per hour (advanced stealth capabilities).
• B-1B Lancer: $173,400 per hour (most expensive bomber).

Specialized Aircraft Operating Costs

• E-3 Sentry: $66,112 per hour (flying radar, airborne command center).
• RC-135: $95,339 per hour (intelligence gathering).
• E-4B: Most expensive reconnaissance aircraft, costs highlight the critical role in emergencies.

Factors Influencing Operating Costs

• Operating Costs: Cover fuel, maintenance, staffing, and related expenses.
• Age and Technology: Newer aircraft require advanced systems maintenance; older aircraft require more frequent repairs.
• Sustainment Costs: Rising sharply, e.g., F-35 program projected to exceed $2 trillion over its lifetime (operational costs + long-term maintenance).

Trends in Operating Costs

• Costs have fluctuated due to technology advancements, budget restrictions, and mission requirements.
• High-tech jets like F-35 increase aviation expenses due to advanced maintenance needs.
• Budget constraints force military leaders to decide between upgrading newer models or retiring older but functional planes.
• Increased operational demands can spike costs unexpectedly.

Importance of Understanding Costs

• High operating expenses require careful planning by military officials regarding procurement and maintenance.
• Cost reduction strategies: improve maintenance processes, lower fuel consumption, optimize flight schedules.

Conclusion

• Operating military aircraft is complex and expensive (e.g., F-35, B-52).
• Factors like technology, aging fleets, and operational demands drive costs higher.
• Management of these costs will remain critical as the US military modernizes its fleet.
• Reflection: Are the high costs worth the capabilities provided by modern military aircraft?