The Army's AH-64 Helicopter and HELLFIRE Missile Retain Risks as They Enter Production
C-MASAD-83-9
Published: Jan 26, 1983. Publicly Released: Jan 26, 1983.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the risks still facing the AH-64 advanced attack helicopter and the Hellfire missile upon entering production, and the progress the Department of Defense (DOD) has made in addressing these risks. The programs' affordability will continue to meet congressional questioning as future production increments are considered for funding.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should wait until sufficient actual production experience permits establishing a credible program cost estimate and a conclusive determination is made that the risk money will not be needed for contingencies. |
The Secretary of Defense has deleted the risk money because subsequent production experience indicates that it will not be needed.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should, before approving future funding requests for higher production rates of the AH-64 and Hellfire, weigh the progress made in demonstrating production capabilities and overcoming technical problems. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should develop firm Hellfire quantity requirements, including those needed for testing and training, and have their cost reflected in the total program cost. |
During 1985, the Army stabilized total Hellfire quantities and is procuring toward that amount.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should have an Army test and evaluation agency conduct realistic operational testing of the automatic test station and evaluate the results before its fielding. |
The Army recently completed operational testing of its test station and has fielded it.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should withhold approval for a program quantity increase above the currently planned procurement of 446 AH-64 aircraft. |
The Secretary of Defense has approved the program quantity increase.
|
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Weapons systemsCost analysisHelicoptersMilitary aircraftMissilesProgram evaluationMilitary forcesAircraft acquisition programOperational testingProcurement