Embedded Computer Systems: Status of C-17 Software

GAO reported on the status of embedded computers and software development for C-17 aircraft. GAO noted that: (1) the contractor has deferred C-17 software development, which has limited the aircraft's operational capabilities and delayed operational testing until January 1994; (2) software documentation is not adequate and may impair the Air Forces's software maintenance activities; (3) the C-17 continues to have the same software development problems identified in 1992; (4) the contractor has delivered the latest C-17 aircraft without all required software; (5) the Air Force has granted temporary relief from software requirements in order to maintain the delivery schedule; (6) the Air Force has waived some software requirements on the C-17 scheduled for delivery in June 1994; and (7) due to software development delays, the government may have to accept aircraft without all the required software or require the contractor to replace all computer processors not meeting software requirements.