Naval Aviation: F-14 Upgrades Are Not Adequately Justified
NSIAD-95-12
Published: Oct 19, 1994. Publicly Released: Oct 19, 1994.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the Navy's decision to spend about $2.5 billion between fiscal years 1994 and 2003 for a limited ground attack upgrade and other modifications to about 200 F-14 Tomcat fighters.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress may wish to defer authorizing or appropriating additional monies for F-14 aircraft until the Navy can demonstrate that planned upgrades are essential when considering the: (1) current F/A-18C capabilities; (2) net weapon capability gain over current F-14A/B levels; (3) absence of a ground attack radar in 157 of the 210 aircraft; (4) lack of precision stand-off weapons capability in all 210 F-14 aircraft that limits the versatility and use of these aircraft in combat; (5) nearly simultaneous delivery of upgraded F-14 and F/A-18E/F aircraft; and (6) Navy's willingness to deploy carriers without A-6E or upgraded F-14 aircraft, as evidenced by the upcoming deployment of the USS Constellation. | The Armed Services conference committee was, "...persuaded that the Navy budget will not be able to afford the ultimate $1.6 billion cost of this program. Precision bombing capability would not be available for the F-14 much before the F/A-18E/F program achieves initial operating capability." "Therefore, the committee recommends...no new funds for F-14 research and development." |
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Air defense systemsAircraft componentsDefense capabilitiesDefense cost controlDefense economic analysisFighter aircraftMilitary procurementNaval aircraftNaval aviationWeapons systemsAttack aircraft