Lack of Full Disclosure of EF-111A Program Cost

The Air Force is converting 42 F-111A aircraft into EF-111A tactical jamming systems, requiring the purchase of one modification kit for each aircraft. The Air Force planned to buy these kits over a 4-year period, starting with a contract for six kits in fiscal year (FY) 1979. Based on its budget request to buy one kit during FY 1980, the Air Force estimated a total program cost of $990.4 million. The Air Force also estimated that, if it bought six modification kits in FY 1980 instead of one, the total cost of the program would be reduced by $54.4 million. The House Armed Services Committee voted to authorize a six-kit buy for FY 1980 after receiving this information.