The Navy's Landing Craft Air Cushion: Uncertainty Over How It Will Be Used With Amphibious Forces
C-MASAD-82-9
Published: Feb 26, 1982. Publicly Released: Feb 26, 1982.
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Highlights
The Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) is an advanced design, high-speed air cushion vehicle being developed by the Navy for use in amphibious operations. GAO conducted a review of the LCAC program to provide Congress with an assessment of the program as it approaches the start of production and to identify important issues which should be considered in progressing to full production.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should pay particular attention to the actions surrounding the acquisition of LCAC, a multibillion dollar program. | When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of the Navy | The Secretary of Defense should closely scrutinize the Navy's acquisitions plans for LCAC during the Program Objective Memorandum and the Program, Planning, and Budgeting System reviews. This would include determining how: (1) the revised LCAC operational concept will influence craft performance requirements, system design, number to be procured, and program cost; (2) LCAC will interface with and influence the composition of future surface assault forces; and (3) the LCAC test program is being structured to ensure that any changes in the craft's performance thresholds as a result of agreements reached on the operational concept have been incorporated into the future test plan. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Navy to make sure that the ongoing lead production effort, regardless of its size, provides adequate milestones for monitoring costs, schedule, and performance progress. Special attention should also be given to those matters not specifically planned for the Secretary of the Navy review, including: (1) the effect that the engine selection will have on the program as currently structured; (2) accumulation of assessable reliability, maintainability, and availability data; and (3) the incorporation into LCAC design of solutions to problems identified during testing of advance development air cushion vehicles, including propeller and lift fan erosion, corrosion of electrical and electronic components, and the need to decrease craft vulnerability. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the preparation of Selected Acquisition Reports on LCAC. This would provide decisionmakers and Congress with valuable information. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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Defense cost controlMilitary land vehiclesMilitary operationsMilitary vesselsNaval procurementProgram evaluationReporting requirementsTestingMilitary forcesAssault