Case Study of Risk Management in the USAF LANTIRN Program
Abstract
This case study was undertaken in conjunction with six others to develop a better understanding of the risks involved in weapon system development and whether government policies effectively aid in the management of those risks to reduce the probability or severity of negative outcomes. The purpose of the larger study of seven Air Force procurement programs is to provide information that might improve the decision environment in which weapon systems are procured and thus to increase the probability of positive outcomes. This case focuses on the procurement of the Low-Altitude Navigation Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) system. This case represents the procurement of an avionics system for single-seat fighter jets. Its direct program cost equalled $3.8 billion in current dollars, as of 1991. It represents a mixed array of technical advances, depending on the subsystem examined. The case study identifies decisions regarding risks make early in the program prior to or at a full-scale development decision. The assessments of risks and its subsequent management are then tracked to show how the early risk management decisions impacted the program. The term risk, as used throughout this Note, is the probability that, given than an activity is undertaken, an event will occur that has negative outcomes for those involved. This case study (1) identifies acquisition practices that shape and manage risk and (2) suggests possible improvements
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA282159
Entities
People
- Susan J. Bodilly
Organizations
- RAND Corporation