Reduced Performance and Increased Cost Warrant Reassessment of the Multiple Stores Ejector Rack.
Abstract
The Air Force plans to award a contract in June 1982 for the continued development of an aircraft bomb carrier known as the Multiple Stores Ejector Rack (MSER). The rack, in development since 1976, was intended for use by certain Navy aircraft as well as several aircraft operated by the Air Force. However, we have found that: service interest in a common bomb rack has dwindled and both the Air Force and the Navy are pursuing separate bomb rack developments; some MSER development goals may not be achieved; and other alternatives to MSER have not been fully evaluated; in addition, MSER's estimated development costs have tripled and average unit procurement costs could not be 14 times greater than the cost of the racks now in service; and the development period has more than doubled. The Air Force has basically reduced it MSER requirements to one aircraft, the F-16, and the Navy has all but pulled out of the program. Before authorizing further expenditure of funds for MSER, GAO recommends that the Air Force and Navy Secretaries be required to determine whether a common bomb rack is still needed, whether MSER will meet Air Force and Navy requirements, and whether it is cost effective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 26, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA112776
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office