Army Aviation Requirements

GAO reviewed the armed services' modernization plans for utility and cargo helicopters, focusing on whether opportunities exist to streamline the services' aviation infrastructure. GAO noted that: (1) the services are attempting to reduce the types and number of aircraft in their helicopter fleets; (2) options for streamlining aviation infrastructure include eliminating types of aircraft, reducing the number of aircraft, consolidating assets, and using commercial aircraft; and (3) the Department of Defense and the services are conducting ongoing studies that addresss the potential for consolidating helicopter assets among the services, but the results are not yet available.