ACM Variant Program

GAO identified: (1) funds in the Air Force's fiscal year (FY) 1993 budget that are no longer needed for the terminated Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM) variant program; and (2) issues that require evaluation before the Air Force attempts to modify ACM to the variant configuration. GAO noted that: (1) although the Air Force followed congressional directions given in November 1991 to terminate the variant program, in February 1992, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Policy (OSUDP) asked the Air Force to develop basic information on restarting the ACM variant program; (2) OSUDP subsequently dropped plans, but not the $47.4-million budget request, to restart variant development; and (3) before deciding to restart variant development, the Air Force should consider such issues as the need for the weapon in view of changing world conditions, affordability, and technical risks.