Next Generation Logistics

[TomcatViP]

As for Transportation Command’s interest in exploring the use of SpaceX’s Starship for ferrying troops and cargo to far-flung battlefields, Roper waxed enthusiastic — but cautioned that in the near future the only funding likely will continue to be for small R&D and exploratory efforts.

“But I hope that we won’t turn a blind eye, because I do think there’s really interesting thinking,” he said. “When you can launch an austere airbase in a space capsule, that’s frickin’ awesome! Just to be able to just have it come down, halfway around the world, with everything you need to be able to maintain and operate a small fleet of airplanes — refuel it, rearm it and get it back in the fight.”

“That may be a really awesome concept to pair with something like Next-Generation Air Dominance,” he added. “And if there’s not next-generation logistics to go with Next-Generation Air Dominance, then we’re going to be missing a critical opportunity.”

You don't win a war without winning the logistic train race. At the convergence point of NGAD, Air forces and Space Force, manned & unmanned, heavily armored or air transportable, IMAR or Long range fire, blue waters Naval force and Marines, there will be an air transport command.
But what could it be tomorrow? What platforms?

Quote from Dr W. Roper, Air Force acquisition czar by Breakingdefense.com:

RCO To Manage ABMS Buys; Tankers First To Sport New Data Links - Breaking Defense

"When you can launch an austere airbase in a space capsule, that's frickin' awesome," says AF acquisition head Will Roper about the idea of suborbital transport spacecraft.

breakingdefense.com

 

[Flyaway]

Using Starship for special forces that’s a new one.

 

[TomcatViP]

Take into context the Iranian scenario where C-130 were supposed to land in a stadium and then rangers make their way to the embassy. With Starship, it's nearly a done deal with a probable closer landing, to the nearest roundabout!

(for the reader that guessed, it's true that I am repeating myself here. Sorry)

 

[TomcatViP]

Obviously, it's becoming an obsession... But early simulation shows that it does work!

This is a 300t landing vehicle on compressed sands.

 

[jsport]

How Transcom transformed to 'rapidly adapt as things change around the world'

U.S. Transportation Command is harnessing data and delivering digital tools to support and enhance worldwide military transits and operations.

defensescoop.com

 

[TomcatViP]

Astra get contracted $44M for 1300lb cargo delivery trial starting in 2026:

Astra, the once high-flying rocket startup that crashed back to Earth with investors before going private last year, has unveiled new details about its $44 million contract with the Department of Defense that supports the development of Rocket 4, a two-stage, mobile launch vehicle with ambitions to deliver cargo across the globe in under an hour.

The Alameda, California-based company, [...] is now targeting the first test flight of Rocket 4 in 2026 and looking to position the vehicle as a rapid delivery system for military cargo.

Chris Kemp, Astra’s chief executive, said in an interview the company intends to leverage its contract with the Defense Innovation Unit to demonstrate point-to-point delivery of about 1,300 pounds of cargo using Rocket 4.

Astra targets cargo delivery with Rocket 4 in Pentagon-backed plan

Former public rocket startup focusing on defense applications after going private

spacenews.com

 

[Titus]

Using Starship for special forces that’s a new one.

Starship Troopers! This planet crawls!

 

[NMaude]

Using Starship for special forces that’s a new one.

With Starship, it's nearly a done deal with a probable closer landing, to the nearest roundabout

That's rather premature though as a fully operational, crewed starship is likely to be at least a few years off, there are MANY milestones that Starship has to pass in its' test-programme.