Army's M109 Howitzer: Required Testing Should Be Completed Before Full-Rate Production
NSIAD-92-44
Published: Jan 23, 1992. Publicly Released: Jan 23, 1992.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Army's Howitzer Improvement Program, focusing on: (1) whether the Army has resolved deficiencies disclosed during developmental and operational tests and evaluations; (2) whether the Army should conduct further operational testing prior to additional procurements; and (3) substantial unit cost increases over original estimates.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | To reduce the risks of costly retrofits or fielding an ineffective system, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Army to: (1) include specific tests in the test and evaluation plan for the follow-on operational test and evaluation to verify that problems experienced with Paladins during earlier testing have been corrected; and (2) successfully complete the follow-on test and evaluation before approving full-rate production. |
Closed – Implemented
The Army's Test and Evaluation Plan for the M109A6 Paladin Follow-on Test and Evaluation tested problems experienced with automatic fire control system, generator, and microclimatic conditioning system, and "flarebacks" during earlier testing have been corrected. Testing demonstrated that the issues that were not met during Initial Operational Test and Evaluation were successfully resolved.
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Topics
Army procurementConcurrencyCost overrunsEquipment contractsInflationMilitary cost controlOperational testingWeapons research and developmentWeapons systemsMilitary forces