Naval Aviation

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO compared the costs and capabilities of the F/A-18E/F with the F-14D aircraft. GAO found that: (1) Navy cost and technical comparisons have determined that the F/A-18E/F would be technically superior and cheaper than the F-14D aircraft on a life-cycle basis; (2) although F-14D development and production costs are slightly lower, its operational and support costs would be significantly higher than F/A-18E/F operational costs; (3) although the Navy's cost comparison may have unfairly favored the F/A-18E/F because it used different production, attrition, and replacement rates, the F/A-18E/F remains the most cost-effective aircraft; and (4) the Navy's technical comparisons have correctly identified the F/A-18E/F aircraft's superiority because it can be equipped with advanced weapons and navigational aids, has a longer mission range, would be more reliable, would be less vulnerable to ground fire, and would require less support personnel.