Military Airlift: Options Exist for Meeting Requirements While Acquiring Fewer C-17s
NSIAD-97-38
Published: Feb 19, 1997. Publicly Released: Feb 21, 1997.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the basis for the November 1995 recommendation by the Defense Acquisition Board that a fleet of 120 C-17s be acquired to meet airlift needs, focusing on: (1) whether less costly options exist to meet airlift needs; and (2) the use of the C-17 to support a strategic brigade airdrop.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Because of the potential savings of over $7 billion and the relative contribution of the final 20 C-17s, Congress may wish to consider funding only 100 C-17s and requiring DOD to reexamine the decision to acquire 120 C-17s. DOD can meet mission requirements by employing various relatively low cost options and by extending the use of alternatives for accomplishing the longer range brigade air drop. | Congress authorized the full buy of 120 C-17's under the C-17 settlement agreement. | |
| Before approving the acquisition of the final 20 C-17s primarily to support the brigade airdrop mission, Congress should require that DOD certify that the aircraft's wake turbulence problems have been solved. | Congress has approved the settlement plan on the C-17 for production of all 120 C-17's. |
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Topics
Air Force procurementAirborne operationsContract termination costsDefense contingency planningFuture budget projectionsLife cycle costsMilitary aircraftMilitary airlift operationsMilitary cost controlTransportation safety