Defense Acquisitions: Navy Faces Challenges Constructing the Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford within Budget
Abstract
As a result of a substantial investment of time and money, the Navy has reduced the risks associated with a number of essential technologies, including the nuclear propulsion and electric plant. At this time, several technical risks that could lead to increased construction costs and potentially result in capability reductions still remain. In particular, the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), the advanced arresting gear, and the dual band radar face key tests with little margin for resolving problems before they begin to disrupt the optimal CVN 78 construction schedule and increase ship costs. If key systems arrive late, more labor cost may be incurred because of inefficient work-arounds and schedule delays. EMALS and the advanced arresting gear are vital to meeting key capabilities and must be delivered to the shipyard on time to maintain the construction schedule. The dual band radar enables a smaller island structure on the deck of the carrier, facilitating the ship s increased sortie generation rate. All three systems have experienced schedule delays because of technical and other challenges. Demanding tests lay ahead for all three systems: " In November 2007, the EMALS program will begin testing a production-representative system, including a critical generator component that will be field-tested for the first time. " Land-based testing of a dual band radar prototype is expected to begin in December 2008, but will not demonstrate full power output critical to meeting requirements. Specific testing has not yet been planned for all carrier-unique capabilities, including a number of air traffic control scenarios. " Testing of the advanced arresting gear, including, for the first time, the software control system, is scheduled to begin in 2008.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472282
Entities
People
- Alyssa Weir
- Diana Moldafsky
- Karen Zuckerstein
- Lisa L. Beradi
- Moshe Scwhzart
- Paul L. Fracnis
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office