C-17 Aircraft: RM and A Evaluation Less Demanding Than Initially Planned.
Abstract
The report reviewed the Air Force's reliability, maintainability, and availability (RM&A) evaluation of the C-17 airlifter. Specifically, it reviewed the planning and preparation for the evaluation, monitored its execution, and assessed the results reported by the Air Force. It obtained information on the extent that the evaluation would demonstrate the C-17's wartime surge rate. The C-17 military transport, which is being produced for the Air Force by the McDonnell Douglas Corporation, is designed to airlift substantial payloads over long ranges without refueling. The Air Force intends the C-17 to be its core airlifter and the cornerstone of its future airlift force. The Congress had appropriated about $20.7 billion and authorized the acquisition of 40 aircraft, through fiscal year 1996, for the C-17 program. The $20.7 billion includes $5.9 billion for research and development, $14.6 billion for procurement, and $170 million for military construction. The Congress has also authorized the Department of Defense (DOD) to enter into a multiyear contract for the acquisition of the remaining 80 aircraft of the 120 aircraft C-17 program. As of July 3, 1996, 27 aircraft have been delivered. The C-17 development contract required the Air Force to conduct a 30-day evaluation of the aircraft's compliance with RM&A specifications. The evaluation was also used to determine how much of a $12-million incentive fee the contractor was entitled to for meeting those specifications. In October 1992, the Air Force developed a draft RM&A evaluation plan that was closely tailored to the contract specifications. The plan was revised during 1994 and issued in July 1994.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 26, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA311673
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office