Embedded Computer Systems: Significant Software Problems on C-17 Must Be Addressed
IMTEC-92-48
Published: May 07, 1992. Publicly Released: May 07, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed: (1) the Air Force's management of software development on the C-17 aircraft; and (2) software problems that have increased program risks.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should expand C-17 assessment to evaluate the impact of software risks on the C-17 development and flight test program and determine how the Air Force intends to mitigate those risks. |
DOD agreed with this recommendation and assessed the impact of software defects on the C-17 operational flight test program. DOd stated, however, that OSD/OT&E should not determine how to mitigate software risk.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should expand C-17 assessment to evaluate the Air Force's plans to ensure that software support documentation is adequately prepared and approved. |
OSD assessed C-17 software support documentation as part of its Early Operational Assessment. Also, San Antonio ALC and Air Force OT&E are evaluating existing software documentation and McDonnell Douglas is taking actions to provide other required documents.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should expand C-17 assessment to assess the Air Force's strategy for evaluating the merits of converting software to Ada when major software modifications are made. |
DOD disagreed that assessing the future use of Ada should be part of its C-17 Early Operational Assessment. DOD stated that Air Force policy on the use of Ada is sufficient. The policy is clear; however, implementation has been inconsistent.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should expand C-17 assessment to determine ways to reduce the impact of limited computer capacity on long-term maintenance costs of the C-17. |
DOD assessed the impact of limited computer capacity on the C-17 and future maintenance costs on its C-17 Early Operational Assessment. Consequently, McDonnell Douglas is making design changes to meet reserve memory and processing requirements.
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Topics
Air Force procurementAircraft researchComputer systemsComputer services contractsSoftware documentationContract performanceEmbedded computer systemsManagement information systemsMilitary aircraftProgramming languagesTesting