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Air Defense: Comparison of Upgraded F-4D and F-16A Aircraft

NSIAD-87-163 Published: Jun 15, 1987. Publicly Released: Jul 01, 1987.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed Air Force plans to transfer 270 F-16A fighter aircraft from the Tactical Air Force to the Strategic Air Defense (SAD) force to determine: (1) the Air Force's plans and progress on the F-4D demonstration project; (2) the capability of modified F-4D and F-16A aircraft to meet mission requirements; and (3) the cost of the modified F-4D and F-16A alternatives.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of the Air Force Because of the unresolved questions regarding the cost- and operational effectiveness of using the modified F-16A and F-4D in the SAD mission and the potential savings involved, the Secretary of the Air Force should conduct a cost- and operational effectiveness analysis comparing the modified F-4D and F-16A aircraft for the air defense mission. The analysis should: (1) include a demonstration comparing the modified aircraft's capabilities against requirements needed to counter the SAD threat; (2) consider other potential missions and uses for the F-16A that would be available under the modified F-4D air defense alternative; and (3) consider that the F-4D would likely require replacement in the SAD mission sooner than the modified F-16A.
Closed – Implemented
The Air Force does not concur with this recommendation and plans no further action.
Department of the Air Force Since the Air Force is accelerating the retirement of the F-4D, the Secretary of the Air Force should identify the approximately 180 most suitable F-4D aircraft for upgrading and ensure they are not retired prior to the conclusion of the demonstration analysis.
Closed – Implemented
The Air Force does not concur with this recommendation and plans no further action.

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Topics

National Defense
Air defense systemsComparative analysisDefense cost controlFighter aircraftModificationsReprogramming of authorized fundsStrategic forcesTactical air forcesMilitary forcesAircraft