Questionable Use of C-X and Other Air Force Weapon System Funds

GAO reviewed the Air Force's C-X Airlift Aircraft Program to provide Congress with a report on key issues peculiar to the system. To meet future airlift requirements for worldwide deployment of U.S. forces, the Air Force proposed the C-X, an aircraft which can carry larger loads than the C-141 but about half as much as the C-5. Congress approved a little less than half of the Air Force's requested budget for the C-X because it was not convinced that the C-X met the near- or long-term airlift requirements. The funds appropriated for the C-X were not to be used for full-scale engineering development of the aircraft until the Secretary of Defense made certain certifications regarding such matters as airlift requirements and technical feasibility.