The Air Force LANTIRN Program Must Surmount Some Formidable Difficulties
C-MASAD-82-12
Published: Feb 25, 1982. Publicly Released: Feb 25, 1982.
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Highlights
The Air Force's Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared System for Night (LANTIRN), if successfully developed, would provide certain Air Force aircraft with improved navigational and targeting capabilities that would enable them to be used in night operations and under low cloud ceilings. However, the LANTIRN system has experienced considerable cost growth and major technical difficulties serious enough for the Air Force to have recently lengthened the weapon's development and flight testing schedules by more than a year.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should take the results of the most recent LANTIRN cost-effectiveness studies into account before providing further funds for the LANTIRN program. If the studies show that LANTIRN is not cost effective, Congress should end the program or direct the Air Force to consider alternative systems. | When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should designate LANTIRN as a major acquisition program requiring quarterly reports to Congress to keep it informed on how the system is meeting its cost, schedule, and performance goals. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Topics
Air Force procurementAircraft componentsCost analysisFighter aircraftSystems evaluationWeapons research and developmentWeapons systemsMilitary forcesAircraft acquisition programsAircraft acquisition program