Mobilization and Defense Management Technical Reports Series. Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System. A Case Study.
Abstract
In August 1981, the Navy deployed the first F14 fighter squadron equipped with three Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod Systems (TARPS) for targeting and intelligence support of the Battle Group Commander. This TARPS deployment is the first tactical reconnaissance imaging platform to be introduced into the fleet since the early 1960's when the RA5C and RF8 aircraft were first deployed in fleet operations at the Navy's carrier-based tactical reconnaissance squadrons. Replacement of the previous RA5C and RF8G reconnaissance-dedicated aircraft by the F14/TARPS combination now provides a multimission fully capable fighter/recce aircraft. The development and acquisition process of TARPS required flexibility in management, tenacity of purpose and a dedication to the tactical mission needs. The history of development includes changes in mission requirements, aircraft type, available funding, deployment concept, and production and deployment schedules, as well as a change from an interim system to a system, as now planned, of 10-12 years minimum life. As a case study of the acquisition process, TARPS is unique in that it succeeded in surviving enough pitfalls, undesired direction and delays for three separate procurement efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA137630
Entities
People
- T. A. Myers
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy