The optimal utilization of future tanker/cargo aircraft for a variety of tanker missions with all combinations of fighter aircraft and a myriad of destinations creates a complex operations research program. The computer program “Tanker-decision” is capable of evaluating range versus payload information provided by the RAND “FARM” computer program. The output includes fighter deployment costs, feasibility studies and resulting payloads for various combinations of tanker/cargo, fighter, tanker, and cargo aircraft. The Tankerdecision output would be extremely useful in evaluating alternative tanker/cargo aircraft based upon cost and performance. In addition, the efficiency of deploying various fighters, fighter configurations, and payloads can be evaluated. The effect of improved aircraft characteristics such as maximum payload, cruise speed, and computer program can evaluate a tanker/cargo aircraft in a role approximately a pure tanker or a pure cargo aircraft.