Strategic Forces:

Testing of Air Launched Cruise Missile Components Questioned

NSIAD-88-65BR: Published: Nov 24, 1987. Publicly Released: Dec 22, 1987.

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In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on the Air Force's investigation of alleged improper testing of flight data transmitters installed in Air-Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCM).

GAO found that: (1) the Air Force's Office of Special Investigation turned over its findings to the Department of Justice; (2) the subcontractor's investigations turned up some testing irregularities in 29 flight data transmitters; (3) the subcontractor took disciplinary actions against the employees responsible for the improper testing; (4) the subcontractor volunteered to retest the transmitters at no additional cost to the government and cooperated with Justice in its investigation; and (5) the prime contractor and the subcontractor have taken measures to ensure proper quality controls in all program divisions. GAO also found that: (1) although the ALCM system manager reported that the missiles were reliable, other tests revealed that 10 of 11 transmitters did not meet specifications; (2) because the Air Force questioned the test results' validity and methodology, it planned to conduct additional tests; and (3) the Air Force did not investigate the effectiveness of the subcontractor's quality assurance system prior to the disclosure of the irregularities.

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