Air Force Aircraft: Consolidating Fighter Squadrons Could Reduce Costs.
Abstract
In 1992, the Air Force decided to reconfigure its fighter force into smaller squadrons. This decision occurred at a time when the Secretary of Defense was attempting to reduce defense operating and infrastructure costs. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the Air Force operating its fighter forces in smaller squadron sizes and the implications this might have on the Secretary of Defense's efforts to reduce defense infrastructure costs. We focused on the C and D models of the Air Force's active component F-15s and F-16s. Because of your interest in this subject, we are addressing this report to you. To achieve directed force structure reductions, the Air Force has been reducing the number of F-15 and F-16 aircraft in its inventory. Between fiscal years 1991 and 1997, the Air Force plans to reduce its F-15 aircraft from 342 to 252. Over this same period, the Air Force plans to reduce its F-16 aircraft from 570 to 444. In 1991, F-15 and F-16 aircraft were configured in 42 squadrons. By fiscal year 1997, these aircraft will be configured in 37 squadrons. Until 1992, the Air Force predominantly organized its active fighter aircraft in wings of three squadrons, with 24 combat aircraft in each squadron. However, in 1992, the Air Force Chief of Staff directed that the squadrons be reduced to 18 aircraft. By 1997, most fighter squadrons will have been reduced to this smaller size, leaving only 54 aircraft in most wings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA314120
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office