Special Purpose Vehicles

The Special Purpose Vehicles program, outlined in Line Item 823990 of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget request, is designed to procure a wide array of vehicles essential for flightline, maintenance, and facility operations across the Air Force, Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve (AFR). The program's primary objective is to ensure installation and unit mission requirements are met by replacing aging vehicles, supporting new mission initiatives, and maintaining operational readiness. The procurement is managed by the 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron (VSCOS), which uses a priority buy model based on vehicle end-of-life projections, sustainment costs, and mission priorities.

For FY 2026, the program plans to procure approximately 268 vehicles, distributed among Active Duty, ANG, and AFR units. The vehicle types include tractors, tow tractors, wreckers, refuse trucks, potable and non-potable water trucks, refueling vehicles, deicers, staircase trucks, lavatory service trucks, high-reach maintenance platforms, glycol recovery vehicles, disabled patient vehicles, digger derrick trucks, specialized trailers, and fuel trailers. These vehicles are critical for daily operations such as aircraft towing, refueling, maintenance, and support services at Air Force installations worldwide.

Tow tractors are a significant component of the procurement, with multiple models purchased to tow aircraft, munition trailers, and ground support equipment. The program also includes flight line tow tractors, which are essential for moving aircraft and equipment efficiently on the flightline.

Refueling vehicles represent another major category, with truck refuelers and truck tank fuels scheduled for acquisition. These vehicles are vital for refueling and defueling military aircraft, ensuring rapid turnaround and sustained flight operations. The procurement also includes specialized fuel trailers and avgas trucks to support diverse fueling requirements at various installations.

Maintenance and support trucks such as high-reach maintenance platforms, digger derrick trucks, lavatory service trucks, and staircase trucks are included to facilitate aircraft and facility maintenance. The planned procurement reflects increased costs due to inflation, parts shortages, and supply chain disruptions. These vehicles enable safe and efficient access to aircraft and infrastructure for maintenance personnel.

Deicers, both extended reach and truck-mounted, are procured to maintain aircraft operability in cold weather conditions. Additionally, refuse trucks, potable and non-potable water trucks, and specialized trailers are acquired to support base operations, environmental management, and logistics.

The program also funds other government costs and contractor services, which provide oversight, technical expertise, and program office support for contracts related to tow vehicles, refuelers, staircase trucks, and deicers. The budget request reflects adjustments for efficiency initiatives, as mandated by Executive Order 14222, and accounts for price increases driven by global supply chain challenges and increased demand. The Special Purpose Vehicles program is structured to maintain mission readiness, support evolving operational requirements, and ensure compliance with financial audit standards under Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D.