Author Description

The U.S. Navy is replacing the H-46 helicopter with the new MH-60S helicopter. The Fleet Introduction Team has developed a spreadsheet-based schedule that distributes new aircraft and MH-60S trained pilots to the active duty Helicopter Combat Support squadrons. This thesis develops an optimal distribution schedule for helicopters using an integer programming model called OTHCAM (Optimal Transition HC Allocation Model) that minimizes lost flying days. OTHCAM takes into account variable training durations, travel times and tour lengths as well as manpower and aircraft constraints. The output is a distribution schedule for new MH-60S helicopters and Fleet Replacement Squadron graduates that minimizes lost flying days while meeting manpower and operational requirements. The schedule developed by OTHCAM reduces lost flying days by 26% compared to the Fleet Introduction Team's existing spreadsheet schedule.