A Review and Analysis of Upgrades to Naval and Air Force Aircraft to Identify Similarities and Trends from Fiscal Year 1998 to Fiscal Year 2013
Abstract
This project examines the upgrades to U.S. Navy F/A-18 and Air Force F-16 aircraft, both of which are Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). Timelines are examined to illustrate when the various platform upgrades were requested via the presidential budget. The types of upgrades are noted and reviewed to capture which upgrades were pursued on which airframes within each type/model/series of aircraft. As a result of this project, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics will have a foundation upon which further research may build to better discern whether there is an optimal interval between modifications. The intent of this project is not to determine whether the time-phased implementation of upgrades is feasible, but rather to identify similarities and capture any trends in various upgrades. The goal of this project is twofold: first, to provide a summary review of upgrades to U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft; and second, to investigate the opportunity for any follow-on studies of additional MDAP modifications/block upgrades.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA584640
Entities
People
- Christopher Sylvester
- Henry Jackson
- Michael Boudreau
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School