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Acquisition of the Over-the-Horizon Backscatter Radar System Should Be Reevaluated

C-MASAD-83-14 Published: Mar 15, 1983. Publicly Released: Mar 15, 1983.
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Highlights

GAO examined the Over-the-Horizon Backscatter (OTH-B) radar system which the Air Force has designed to provide a long-range tactical warning capability to help counter a Soviet precursor bomber attack on the continental United States.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Secretary of Defense should direct the Air Force to fully reassess the need and justify the decision to acquire the OTH-B radar system. Specifically, factors to be considered are the threat, the status of efforts to develop more endurable tactical warning systems, and the potential and cost effectiveness of using existing airborne warning assets to strengthen surveillance coverage against a surprise bomber attack until a system more endurable than OTH-B can be deployed.
Closed – Implemented
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.

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Topics

Budget and Spending
Air defense systemsAir Force procurementCost analysisMilitary research and developmentProgram evaluationRadar equipmentTestingWarning systemsMilitary forcesBomber aircraft