The Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter Is Not Ready for Production
MASAD-82-8: Published: Dec 1, 1981. Publicly Released: Dec 1, 1981.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
Contact:
GAO has been reviewing the status of the Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter (AH-64) and Laser Hellfire Missile Programs. Although the review is not yet complete, GAO has several concerns in view of the imminent decision on the merits of starting production of these two weapon systems.
GAO has five basic concerns: (1) the data currently available for decision purposes includes data derived from tests of two key subsystems, the target acquisition designation sight and the helicopter engine, whose configurations will differ from the subsystems to be made a part of the production aircraft; (2) caution should be used in accepting the AH-64 reported reliability, availability, and maintainability calculations since they may be overstating the helicopter's capability in these areas; (3) the Army's ability to adequately support the helicopter for an extended period after initial deployment is questionable; (4) the Laser Hellfire Missile, although it has generally shown an advantage in testing in a clear environment, still has some serious shortcomings that could limit the AH-64 total system effectiveness; and (5) contractor readiness to begin production is still at a point where it is not without some potential program-inhibiting risks. Collectively, these concerns seem to justify a cautious approach in arriving at a production decision. GAO believes a decision at this time would necessarily be relying on incomplete information, questionable evaluations, and optimistic projections, and would result in considerable risk regarding system cost, performance, reliability, and supportability.
Recommendations for Executive Action
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: The Secretary of Defense should explore other more cost-effective alternatives such as the Cobra/TOW or other types of weapons in view of the high cost of adding the AH-64/Hellfire to the Army's weapon system inventory and its effect on the already strained budget.
Agency Affected: Department of Defense
Status: Closed - Implemented
Comments: When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
Recommendation: If the Secretary of Defense decides that the AH-64/Hellfire should be procured, production approval should be delayed until the satisfactory completion of government tests and evaluations showing favorable results.
Agency Affected: Department of Defense
Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations
»
Jan 14, 2021
-
Columbia Class Submarine:
Delivery Hinges on Timely and Quality Materials from an Atrophied Supplier BaseGAO-21-257: Published: Jan 14, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 14, 2021. -
Department of Defense:
Actions Needed to Improve Accounting of Intradepartmental TransactionsGAO-21-84: Published: Jan 14, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 14, 2021.
Jan 12, 2021
-
DOD Critical Technologies:
Plans for Communicating, Assessing, and Overseeing Protection Efforts Should Be CompletedGAO-21-158: Published: Jan 12, 2021. Publicly Released: Jan 12, 2021.
Dec 10, 2020
-
Climate Resilience:
DOD Coordinates with Communities, but Needs to Assess the Performance of Related Grant ProgramsGAO-21-46: Published: Dec 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 10, 2020. -
Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations:
DOD Needs to Address Governance and Oversight Issues to Help Ensure SuperiorityGAO-21-64: Published: Dec 10, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 10, 2020.
Dec 2, 2020
-
Navy and Marine Corps:
Services Continue Efforts to Rebuild Readiness, but Recovery Will Take Years and Sustained Management AttentionGAO-21-225T: Published: Dec 2, 2020. Publicly Released: Dec 2, 2020.
Nov 20, 2020
-
GAO Audits Involving DOD:
Status of Efforts to Schedule and Hold Timely Entrance ConferencesGAO-21-185R: Published: Nov 20, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 20, 2020.
Nov 19, 2020
-
Defense Acquisitions:
Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture Would Benefit from Defined Goals and GovernanceGAO-21-68: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020. -
Defense Intelligence:
Comprehensive Plan Needed to Improve Stakeholder Engagement in the Development of New Military Intelligence SystemGAO-21-57: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020. -
Defense Production Act:
Opportunities Exist to Increase Transparency and Identify Future Actions to Mitigate Medical Supply Chain Issues:GAO-21-108: Published: Nov 19, 2020. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2020.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here