Aquila Remotely Piloted Vehicle: Its Potential Battlefield Contribution Still in Doubt
NSIAD-88-19
Published: Oct 26, 1987. Publicly Released: Oct 26, 1987.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the Army's Aquila Remotely Piloted Vehicle Program, focusing on operational testing which assessed the program's: (1) ability to accomplish its mission in its planned operational environment; (2) key characteristics such as reliability and maintainability; (3) readiness for production; and (4) 3-hour flight endurance capability.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Army | The Secretary of the Army should postpone production of the Aquila until the Army: (1) demonstrates, through selective testing against sound criteria in an operational environment, solutions to the key mission performance problems and other system deficiencies identified through a full assessment of operational test results; and (2) determines whether initiating production of the Aquila with the television sensor is warranted before the infrared sensor's successful development is certain. |
Closed – Implemented
Congress deleted funds for the program in 1988 and directed that the Aquila be combined with other remotely piloted vehicles. Aquila received no funds in the fiscal year 1989 Department of Defense (DOD) budget.
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Topics
Army procurementGround warfareLogisticsProduct evaluationQuality controlSurface to air missilesTestingMilitary forcesAircraft acquisition programOperational testing