The Light Airborne Multipurpose System, Lamps MK III, Progress Evident but Some Problems and Questions Remain
C-MASAD-81-4
Published: Feb 23, 1981. Publicly Released: Feb 23, 1981.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed the newest antisubmarine helicopter weapon system being developed by the Navy, the Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS MK III). It is a computer-integrated ship and helicopter system designed principally for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) with secondary mission capabilities of antiship surveillance and targeting (ASST), search and rescue, medical evacuation, and logistics support. Currently, the program is in full-scale development and is scheduled for deployment aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates. The helicopter to be used is the SH-60B Seahawk.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should, in its oversight role of Defense, have a clear understanding of the issues, problems, and potential problems that exist. Such is the case with the interrelationship and interdependence of these key weapon systems that are being acquired to carry out the Navy's ASW responsibilities in countering the Soviet threat. | Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the Navy to determine the number of LAMPS MK III helicopters needed to effectively meet its ASW mission requirements. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the Navy to reassess the reliability, availability, and maintainability aspects of the LAMPS MK III to determine whether it will be adequate to meet its operational requirements. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the Navy to clearly establish the role the LAMPS MK III system is expected to fill in the ASST mission and, if the ASST mission is a major responsibility, identify actions needed to provide the desired capability. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the Navy to determine the cost impact of actions resulting from the above recommendations and disclose this information to Congress. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should address these issues and present a plan to the Congress that will sufficiently identify strengths and weaknesses of the capabilities of LAMPS and its related systems to satisfactorily perform the ASW mission. |
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
|
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Defense contingency planningElectronic equipmentHelicoptersMilitary vesselsNaval procurementNaval warfareProduct evaluationWeapons systemsMilitary forcesEvacuation