Quote:
This idea that a squadrons will run one fuel for a test flight in say the morning and then go through all the changes in the afternoon for an operational mission then reverse the whole thing for an engine test is simply not a goer.
|
Why would you do that Glider? I don't think anyone is saying that.
What would be worth it to do is change the fuel type when the units rotated out for rest and refit. They are not doing any operational flying under that status and unless they had an additional mission to gather data on the fuels use, there is no reason to continue to use 100 Octane. I am sure maintenance trend data over as many hours of flight time was required before the entire force converted but you don't need it from every squadron.
Crumpps steps to conversion.....
If I wanted to convert and it was not possible to convert the entire force, the first thing I would do is get as much 100 Octane gas to the airfields as I could before anyone converted.
Then my conversion pool has a supply of gas.
The next thing I would do is convert as many squadrons as possible to be able to use 100 Octane. That timeline is going to be based on how fast the parts required can enter the system and reach the point of use. I would convert as many aircraft as possible without violating the required logistical ratio so my airplanes can continue to fly and I am not without airplanes due to maintenance awaiting parts.
Now I have pool of capable aircraft.
As much as possible all of my operational squadrons using 100 Octane would be down in 11 Group in the thick of the action.
If logistics said I only had enough fuel for 16 squadrons by September then you can bet when a squadron rotated out for rest and refit, they would go back to 87 Octane and their replacement would come from that pool of converted units.
As logistics increased my usable fuel supply, I would add operational squadrons to other areas until the entire force was converted.