Air Defense:

Comparison of Upgraded F-4D and F-16A Aircraft

NSIAD-87-163: Published: Jun 15, 1987. Publicly Released: Jul 1, 1987.

Additional Materials:

Contact:

Harry R. Finley
(202) 512-5187
contact@gao.gov

 

Office of Public Affairs
(202) 512-4800
youngc1@gao.gov

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.

GAO found that: (1) the Air Force does not plan to conduct the F-4D demonstration project and has requested reprogramming of the funds; (2) the Air Force concluded that it should retire the F-4D, which has reached the end of its useful life; (3) Air Force Logistics Command and National Guard officials believe that a modified F-4D would have capabilities superior to the F-16A in performing air defense missions; and (4) F-16A modifications and operation and support costs would be less than the F-4D, but would not offset the higher cost of replacing the F-16A.

Recommendations for Executive Action

  1. Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: The Air Force does not concur with this recommendation and plans no further action.

    Recommendation: 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.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense: Department of the Air Force

  2. Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: The Air Force does not concur with this recommendation and plans no further action.

    Recommendation: 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.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense: Department of the Air Force

 

Explore the full database of GAO's Open Recommendations »

Oct 11, 2018

Oct 10, 2018

Oct 9, 2018

Sep 24, 2018

Sep 20, 2018

Sep 10, 2018

Sep 6, 2018

Sep 5, 2018

Sep 4, 2018

Looking for more? Browse all our products here