DOD Should Defer Buying New TACAN Equipment and Evaluate Other Alternatives
MASAD-82-6
Published: Nov 12, 1981. Publicly Released: Nov 12, 1981.
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Highlights
GAO completed a followup review to a 1978 report on navigation planning. The report concluded that, because the Department of Defense (DOD) planned to replace the Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) with the NAVSTAR/Global Positioning System (GPS), expenditures to modernize and buy new TACAN equipment were questionable. The report also pointed out that interim fielding of new TACAN equipment could result in unnecessary expenditures and duplication and that, to maximize the GPS cost effectiveness, DOD should avoid buying new equipment that GPS could replace. Despite this, the Navy and the Air Force plan to spend approximately $49 million in the next 4 years on additional replacement TACAN equipment.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force and Navy to work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain those critical spare parts necessary for continued TACAN operation. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force to terminate actions to buy and install new replacement TACAN receivers for the C-5A aircraft. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force and Navy to determine to what extent the FAA VORTEC's can be used instead of DOD equipment. This determination should include an analysis to specifically identify and measure the impact on tactical air navigation and evaluate those trade-offs necessary for the cost savings. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force and Navy to defer all actions to buy and install land-based replacement TACAN transmitters. |
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Air Force procurementAir traffic control systemsAircraft componentsCost analysisNaval procurementNavigation aidsRadar equipmentGlobal positioning systemMilitary forcesAircraft acquisition program