Bradley Vehicle: Concerns about the Army's Vulnerability Testing
Abstract
The results of the Phase I tests by themselves cannot be used to determine the Bradley's vulnerability in actual combat conditions. In evaluating statements by Army officials that the Bradley performed better than expected in the tests, it should be recognized that (1) certain shots, which could have caused severe damage to the vehicle and crew, were avoided, (2) some of the most current threat simulants were not used, and (3) the infantry version, which is more susceptible to larger numbers of casualties, was not tested. Although the tests provide insight into the Bradley's vulnerability, key questions remain that cannot be answered by the test results alone. Critical data from the Army's vulnerability models is also needed to properly assess the Bradley's vulnerability. This data was available after Phase I tests but only a limited amount was used in preparing the Department of Defense's report. The Army informed us that more updated vulnerability information on the Bradley will be furnished to the Congress after the second series of tests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA166053
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office