Skip to main content

The MX Weapon System: Issues and Challenges

MASAD-81-1 Published: Feb 17, 1981. Publicly Released: Feb 17, 1981.
Jump To:

Highlights

Progress has been made during the first year of full-scale development of the MX weapon system, particularly in missile development. However, the Department of Defense (DOD) is faced with a tremendous management challenge in achieving cost, schedule, and performance goals.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should have an independent assessment made and inform Congress of the feasibility of placing one of the operating bases on excess Federal land at Nellis Air Force Base. If it is not feasible to locate an entire MX operating base at Nellis, the potential for siting some MX facilities at existing military bases should be examined.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should inform Congress how the Air Force will enforce measures to assure the preservation of location uncertainty, including an identification of any new laws or changes to existing laws that may be required.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should restudy the need for MX verification features. The results of this study should be given to Congress along with information previously requested on the cost of view ports.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.

Full Report

Full Report (58 pages)

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Natural Resources and Environment
Weapons systemsCost analysisFinancial managementIntercontinental ballistic missilesLife cycle costsMissile warheadsSystems designSystems managementMilitary forcesMissiles