Strategic Forces:

Testing of Air Launched Cruise Missile Components Questioned

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

Additional Materials:

Contact:

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

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.

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