Embedded Computers: B-1B Computers Must Be Upgraded to Support Conventional Requirements
AIMD-96-28
Published: Feb 27, 1996. Publicly Released: Feb 27, 1996.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Air Force's B-1B Bomber Conventional Mission Upgrade Program, focusing on the Air Force's decision to upgrade the bomber's embedded computer systems in light of concerns raised in previous reviews.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | When bids are being considered for the B-1B embedded computer system upgrade the Secretary of Defense should ensure that the upgrade will accommodate all currently planned B-1B weapons and capability enhancements (not including the defense system or the central integrated test system). |
Closed – Implemented
DOD agreed with the recommendation and took action to ensure that the B-1B computer upgrade solution will be able to accommodate all planned B-1B weapons and enhancements, meet the Air Force Air Combat Command's B-1B weapons interoperability requirement, allow for sufficient growth capability in spare memory and throughput capacity for the future, and ensure that the computer solution reduces B-1B life-cycle software maintenance costs. In November 1996, the Air Force successfully completed a system functional review resulting in software and hardware requirements being baselined to include current and planned B-1B weapons capabilities. The Air Force subsequently awarded an engineering and manufacturing development contract to Boeing on January 30, 1997 to upgrade the B-1B computers.
|
| Department of Defense | When bids are being considered for the B-1B embedded computer system upgrade, the Secretary of Defense should ensure that the upgrade will meet the B-1B weapons interoperability requirement (three types of weapons per mission). |
Closed – Implemented
DOD agreed with the recommendation and took action to ensure that the B-1B computer upgrade solution will be able to accommodate all planned B-1B weapons and enhancements, meet the Air Force Air Combat Command's B-1B weapons interoperability requirement, allow for sufficient growth capability in spare memory and throughput capacity for the future, and ensure that the computer solution reduces B-1B life-cycle software maintenance costs. The Air Force awarded a contract to Lockheed International on May 14, 1996, to define hardware and software requirements for the B-1B Bomber. The Air Force intends to conduct the system functional review in October 1996, and select a vendor no later than January 1997 for the computer upgrade.
|
| Department of Defense | When bids are being considered for the B-1B embedded computer system upgrade, the Secretary of Defense should ensure that the upgrade will reduce the risks of additional costly computer upgrades in the future. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD agreed with the recommendation and took action to ensure that the B-1B computer upgrade solution will be able to accommodate all planned B-1B weapons and enhancements, meet the Air Force Air Combat Command's B-1B weapons interoperability requirement, allow for sufficient growth capability in spare memory and throughput capacity for the future, and ensure that the computer solution reduces B-1B life-cycle software maintenance costs. The Air Force awarded a contract to Lockheed International on May 14, 1996, to define hardware and software requirements for the B-1B Bomber. The Air Force intends to conduct the system functional review in October 1996, and select a vendor no later than January 1997 for the computer upgrade.
|
| Department of Defense | When bids are being considered for the B-1B embedded computer system upgrade, the Secretary of Defense should ensure that the upgrade will allow for the necessary spare memory and throughput capacity to accommodate future growth. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD agreed with the recommendation and took action to ensure that the B-1B computer upgrade solution will be able to accommodate all planned B-1B weapons and enhancements, meet the Air Force Air Combat Command's B-1B weapons interoperability requirement, allow for sufficient growth capability in spare memory and throughput capacity for the future, and ensure that the computer solution reduces B-1B life-cycle software maintenance costs. The Air Force awarded a contract to Lockheed International on May 14, 1996, to define hardware and software requirements for the B-1B Bomber. The Air Force intends to conduct the system functional review in October 1996, and select a vendor no later than January 1997 for the computer upgrade.
|
| Department of Defense | When bids are being considered for the B-1B embedded computer system upgrade, the Secretary of Defense should ensure that the upgrade will reduce software maintenance costs. |
Closed – Implemented
DOD agreed with the recommendation and took action to ensure that the B-1B computer upgrade solution will be able to accommodate all planned B-1B weapons and enhancements, meet the Air Force Air Combat Command's B-1B weapons interoperability requirement, allow for sufficient growth capability in spare memory and throughput capacity for the future, and ensure that the computer solution reduces B-1B life-cycle software maintenance costs. In November 1996, the Air Force successfully completed a system functional review resulting in software and hardware requirements being baselined to include current and planned B-1B weapons capabilities. The Air Force subsequently awarded an engineering and manufacturing development contract to Boeing on January 30, 1997 to upgrade the B-1B computers.
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Air Force procurementBomber aircraftComputer services contractsSoftwareDefense capabilitiesEmbedded computer systemsLife cycle costsMilitary cost controlSystems conversionsWeapons systems