Ford-Class Carriers: Lead Ship Testing and Reliability Shortfalls Will Limit Initial Fleet Capabilities

Abstract

Why GAO Did This Study. The Navy plans to spend over $43 billion to produce three Ford-class aircraft carriers. The lead ship, CVN 78, is under construction, and preparation work is underway for the second, CVN 79. These ships will feature new technologies designed to increase capability and reduce crew size. GAO was asked to evaluate the progress of the Ford class. This report examines (1) technical, design, and construction challenges to delivering the lead ship within budget and schedule estimates; (2) the Navys test strategy for demonstrating CVN 78s required capabilities; and (3) actions the Navy is taking to improve CVN 79 cost outcomes. GAO analyzed documents related to mission requirements, acquisition plans and performance, and testing strategies, and interviewed Department of Defense (DOD) and contractor officials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2013
Accession Number
AD1105992

Entities

People

  • Michele Mackin

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Carriers
  • Business Administration
  • Congress
  • Contracts
  • Cvn-79 Uss John F. Kennedy
  • Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems
  • Engineers
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Flight Decks
  • Ford-Class
  • Management Personnel
  • Navy
  • Nimitz-Class
  • Procurement
  • Software Testing
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Public Financial Management and Budgeting