The United States Air Force has temporarily stopped buying a controversial “hot cup,” priced at a staggering $1,280 – a figure that raises eyebrows, especially when converted to around 1300 Euros To Dollars at current exchange rates. This halt comes amidst growing scrutiny over the cost of this device, designed to warm liquids on cargo and other aircraft.
Col. Chris Karns, spokesperson for Air Mobility Command, stated in a recent interview that any units attempting to order this hot cup through the Air Force supply system will now be met with a “Do not order until further notice” message. This decisive action underscores the Air Force’s concern over the escalating price of what is essentially a beverage warmer.
In addition to halting purchases, the Air Force is proactively seeking a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. They have requested the Defense Logistics Agency to create a new part number for a 3-D printed replacement handle for these heaters. This initiative aims to address a critical flaw: the original hot cup’s handle is prone to breaking, often necessitating the purchase of an entirely new unit. By making replacement handles easily orderable, the Air Force hopes to significantly reduce expenditure.
The hot cups themselves are not a new invention. They have been in use by the Air Force for decades, since the introduction of the KC-10 Extender tanker in 1981. These specialized devices feature an internal heating element and are designed to plug directly into aircraft systems, providing a means to warm water, coffee, soup, and other liquids during flight.
The problem isn’t the concept, but the cost. While the need for hot beverages and food on long military flights is undeniable – a need historically rooted as far back as the American Revolution – the escalating price of these hot cups has become a major point of contention. In 2016, each unit cost $693, already a significant sum. However, the price has nearly doubled to $1,280, sparking outrage from lawmakers like Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa.
Senator Grassley has been particularly vocal about this issue. Following responses from Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, he expressed dissatisfaction and vowed to continue investigating the matter. His concern, and that of many taxpayers, revolves around the fundamental question: Why is the Air Force spending close to $1,300 – or approximately 1300 euros when converted from dollars – on a single coffee cup?
Col. Karns openly acknowledged that the pricing of these hot cups has become “excessive” and unsustainable. He emphasized that Secretary Wilson agrees that the Air Force cannot continue to bear such costs. “Everyone recognizes that the costs are excessive,” Karns stated, highlighting the widespread agreement within the Air Force that the current price is unacceptable. “I don’t think you can find a single person who believes what was paid was an acceptable cost.”
The initiative to find a more affordable solution originated from within the Air Force itself. The Phoenix Spark innovation program at Travis Air Force Base in California began exploring cost-saving measures earlier this year. Their ingenious solution: 3-D printing replacement handles at a mere cost of 50 cents each. This simple yet effective fix, announced in July, has the potential to save “thousands” of dollars, according to Travis Air Force Base.
While 3-D printing handles is a significant step forward, the Air Force is also considering broader alternatives for heating liquids on aircraft. This includes exploring commercially available options used by civilian airlines for long-haul flights. When questioned about this, Karns indicated that “I don’t think anything’s off the table, other than figuring out how to reduce the cost.”
However, Karns clarified that simply providing pilots with Thermoses is not a viable solution. The hot cups are not just for coffee; they are also used to heat food like soup and noodles. Missions on aircraft like the KC-10 can last for 10 hours or even extend to 17 or 18 hours. During these long durations, aircrews require a reliable way to heat meals and beverages in-flight, and a pre-filled Thermos would not maintain sufficient warmth for such extended periods.
Furthermore, 3-D printing the entire hot cup is not feasible due to the integrated internal heating element. Any alternative hot cup solution must also meet stringent FAA safety certifications, addressing factors like flammability and heat transferability to ensure flight safety.
Currently, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio possesses the certified 3-D printer and materials necessary to produce air-worthy parts. The Air Force aims to expand this capability, with a certified 3-D printer en route to Travis Air Force Base. The goal is to establish multiple locations capable of producing these replacement handles, streamlining the repair process and further reducing costs.
In conclusion, the Air Force’s decision to halt purchases of the $1,280 hot cup, roughly equivalent to 1300 euros, signals a serious commitment to addressing wasteful spending. By embracing innovative solutions like 3-D printing and exploring cheaper alternatives, the Air Force is taking concrete steps to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, without compromising the operational needs and well-being of its aircrews. The controversy surrounding the expensive hot cup serves as a stark reminder of the importance of diligent oversight and cost-consciousness in military procurement.
