NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The Air Force is transitioning how it manages vehicles and fuel. Nellis Air Force Base has been chosen as one of three bases for the second phase of testing the Automotive Information Module 2 system.
Initial tests have estimated a savings of 1.5M annual manpower hours currently used to track and record vehicle odometer readings. AIM2 eliminates the need for operators to enter their vehicle’s odometer reading at the fuel pumps or to provide monthly mileage updates to Vehicle Management. With installation currently underway, the initial plan is for 988 general purpose vehicles to have AIM2 installed.
This new program also replaces vehicle identification link (VIL) keys for vehicle fueling. It will automatically send the mileage and fuel type to the fuel pumps, guaranteeing the type of fuel used and eliminating any fat fingering of vehicle mileages. The program will also prevent fueling vehicles with the wrong VIL key or fueling multiple vehicles using the same key.
The AIM2 system will enable accurate scheduling of vehicles for preventive maintenance. This will change Vehicle Management’s current procedure of using fuel consumption and monthly inputs from units to determine when a vehicle is due for preventive maintenance. Scheduled maintenance will solely rely on inputs from AIM2.
AIM2 will expand in the future as the system plugs directly into the vehicle’s computer system. It will monitor information such as idling time and will alert Vehicle Management when a service/trouble light is activated.
Eventually the Air Force will install AIM2 on all vehicles. It will be used to read each vehicle’s computer, which will be used to optimize the preventive maintenance program. This new technology will improve vehicle operations, automate the fueling process, identify potential fuel savings and improve maintenance procedures.
