Skip to main content

Lapse in Appropriations

Please note that a lapse in appropriations has caused GAO to shut down its operations. Therefore, GAO will not be able to publish reports or otherwise update this website until GAO resumes operations. In addition, the vast majority of GAO personnel are not permitted to work. Consequently, calls or emails to agency personnel may not be returned until GAO resumes operations. For details on how the bid protest process will be handled during the shutdown, please see the legal decisions page. For information related to the GAO Personnel Appeals Board (PAB), please see the PAB webpage.

The MX Weapon System--A Program With Cost and Schedule Uncertainties

PSAD-80-29 Published: Feb 29, 1980. Publicly Released: Feb 29, 1980.
Jump To:

Highlights

The MX weapon system is a new intercontinental ballistic missile system. It was established to provide increased survivability as well as higher damage expectancy. According to the President, development of the MX weapon system will enable the United States to continue with a strategic deterrent force comprised of modernized survivable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers. The Ballistic Missile Office was assigned responsibility for managing the MX program. Initial deployment of the system is planned for July 1986, with full deployment to be accomplished by 1989. The Air Force estimates that the MX weapon system will cost about $33 billion. Inflationary estimates will increase this estimated cost to at least $56 billion.

Full Report

Full Report (52 pages)

Media Inquiries

Sarah Kaczmarek
Managing Director
Office of Public Affairs
media@gao.gov

Public Inquiries

Contact Us

Topics

National Defense
Weapons systemsAir defense systemsDefense contingency planningIntercontinental ballistic missilesMilitary operationsMilitary systems analysisProgram evaluationMilitary forcesMissilesEngineering