Additional delays might hit Pentagon’s critical air programmes, GAO warns
A B-52 flies over Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo: US Air Force)
B-52 modernisation, Sentinel, MH-139A, T-7A and Air Force One replacement are among the US Air Force programmes the GAO says remain at risk of further schedule slips and cost growth due to acquisition and management challenges.
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has recently warned that critical US Air Force (USAF) acquisition and upgrade efforts already behind their original schedule might face additional delays and cost overruns in the coming years due to management issues and “overly optimistic timeframes”.
The list includes initiatives such as the B-52 Stratofortress Commercial Engine Replacement Programme (B-52 CERP), B-52 Radar Modernisation Programme (B-52 RMP), LGM-35A Sentinel, MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopter, T-7 Advanced Pilot Training Programme (T-7A) and VC-25B Presidential Aircraft Recapitalisation.
According to its Weapon Systems Annual Assessment published last week, the US Department of Defense (DoD) “continues to
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![NATO expands high-altitude intelligence capability with MQ-4C Triton purchase]()
NATO expands high-altitude intelligence capability with MQ-4C Triton purchase
The proposed drone acquisition is intended to form part of a distributed structure of surveillance capabilities, complementing systems such as the RQ-4D Global Hawks already acquired by NATO.
-
![US Air Force lays the groundwork to move the F-15EX acquisition to lots 7 and 8]()
US Air Force lays the groundwork to move the F-15EX acquisition to lots 7 and 8
Procurement of the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System for future production lots signals the air force's commitment to an expanded 267-aircraft Eagle II fleet while sustaining full electronic warfare capability on every fighter.
-
![US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5]()
US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5
New planning documents reveal how the service is defining the aircraft expected to succeed the C-17 and C-5, including its initial requirements and procurement roadmap.
-
![Could CUAS demand open a new market for armed trainer aircraft?]()
Could CUAS demand open a new market for armed trainer aircraft?
As affordable counter-drone solutions become a military priority, repurposing training aircraft could emerge as a credible option to prepare for emergency scenarios.
-
![A new shape in the sky? Mapping out the F-47’s configuration]()
A new shape in the sky? Mapping out the F-47’s configuration
As images of what might be an F-47 prototype or proof-of-concept vehicle emerge from the Nevada desert, what do they tell us about the aircraft’s capabilities and enabling technologies?
