MISSIONS CONSIDERED FOR MPLE
The missions considered in the July MPLE study were selected after discussions with Headquarters, USAF and several AF Commands. They are the Airborne Alert Weapon System, and the Post Attack Command and Control System, both Strategic Air Command missions; the Airborne Warning and Control System and the Manned Air Defense System, missions of concern to both the Air Defense Command and the Tactical Air Command; and the CX-4 Heavy Logistics Transport System, a mission requirement of the Military Air Transport Service. As a result of the discussions, it has been assumed that the AWAC and MADS systems would not be procured simultaneously; either one or the other would be procured, but not both, and the cost effectiveness studies are based upon this assumption.
Specific operational requirements were determined for each mission from the discussions with military personnel and official documents where possible. The specific requirements of the AAWS, PACCS, AWAC, and MADS missions are classified. Each has as a basic requirement, however, the achievement of unrefuelled airborne endurance beyond that presently available from operational equipment. In addition to long endurance certain of the missions require high altitude and high speed capability as well.
The CX-4 mission requirements are those specified in Draft #3 Specific Operational Requirements for Heavy Logistics Support Aircraft System dated 17 September 1962, as revised in discussions with MATS and Headquarters, USAF. For the basic mission of 4000 nautical miles range, the assumed payload is 135,000 pounds with a structural capability of 165,000 pounds. The cruise altitude must not be less than 30,000 feet and the cruise speed must not be less than 440 knots. At the design gross weight the required take-off distance over a 50-foot obstacle on a 89.5°F day is 8000 feet.