Navy Aviation: V-22 Cost and Capability to Meet Requirements Are Yet to Be Determined
Abstract
The V-22 Osprey program was approved in 1982. The V-22 was being developed to meet joint service operational requirements that would satisfy various combat missions, including medium lift assault for the Marine Corps, search and rescue for the Navy, and special operations for the Air Force. The program advanced into full scale development in 1986. In December 1989, the Department of Defense (DoD) directed the Navy to terminate all V-22 contracts because, according to DOD, the V-22 was not affordable when compared to helicopter alternatives. DOD notified Congress that in order to satisfy the joint service requirements, the aircraft would require substantial redesign and testing. Congress continued to fund the program and in August 1992, the Acting Secretary of the Navy testified that a V-22 that met the joint service operational requirements could not be built with the funds provided. In October 1992, the Navy terminated the V-22 full scale development contract and awarded a contract to begin engineering, manufacturing, and development (EMD) of a V-22 variant. During the FSD phase, five prototype aircraft were built. We have been monitoring the V-22 program for the past several years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA330863
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office