United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office National Security and International Affairs Division author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao legislative 2010-08-12 U.S. Government Printing Office 1995-08-01 monographic deposited born digital 36 p. GA 1.13:NSIAD-95-164 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164 P0b002ee18039571b f:ns95164 DGPO 2010-08-12 2011-03-28 GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164 machine generated eng fdlp REPORT GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164 NSIAD-95-164 Bomber aircraft Air Force procurement Advanced weapons systems Defense cost control Advance appropriations Appropriated funds Testing Cost analysis Computer software Research and development B-2 Aircraft Joint Direct Attack Weapon GPS Aided Targeting System/GPS Aided Munition Tri-Service Standoff Attack Missile Letter Report NSIAD Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the status of the B-2 bomber program, focusing on the Air Force's: (1) progress in acquiring 20 operational B-2 aircraft; and (2) flight testing, production, and modification efforts.<p/>GAO found that: (1) the Air Force estimated that 20 operational B-2 aircraft would cost about $44.4 million, 91 percent of which has been appropriated through fiscal year 1995; (2) although ground and flight tests have demonstrated the structural integrity, flying qualities, and aerodynamic performance of the B-2 flying wing design, there are still many factors that can impact the ultimate cost and completion of the 20 operational aircraft; (3) after 14 years of development and 6 years of flight testing, the Air Force has yet to demonstrate that the B-2 design will meet mission requirements; (4) the test program is planned for completion in July 1997, but as much as 55 additional test months may be needed to complete test objectives; (5) the late delivery of B-2 integration software has been a source of its development problems; (6) the change in emphasis from nuclear to conventional missions increases the need to integrate precision conventional weapons into the aircraft; (7) the prime B-2 contractor has experienced difficulties in delivering aircraft that can meet the Air Force's operational requirements; and (8) in February 1995, the Department of Defense concluded a lengthy effort to define a depot support plan, which includes a mix of contractor and organic support for defined functions and components. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164/html/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164/pdf/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164.pdf GAO/NSIAD-95-164 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-NSIAD-95-164 Letter Report GAO/NSIAD-95-164; B-2 Bomber: Status of Cost, Development, and Production; Bomber aircraft Air Force procurement Advanced weapons systems Defense cost control Advance appropriations Appropriated funds Testing Cost analysis Computer software Research and development B-2 Aircraft Joint Direct Attack Weapon GPS Aided Targeting System/GPS Aided Munition Tri-Service Standoff Attack Missile