A Decision By The Secretary Of Defense Is Needed On The Av 8b Aircraft Program PDF Download

The AV-8B aircraft, with its ability to take off and land vertically, is being designed for the Marine Corps, which contends that the plane will provide its forces with the most effective close air support through the end of this century. However, the program is experiencing severe cost growth, and its mission is a subject of controversy in the Department of Defense. Much of this growth is attributable to inflationary estimates because of delays in carrying out the program. In the fiscal year 1980 Defense budget, the Congress appropriated $180 million to permit its continued development. Although it did this with the intent that it would achieve an initial operational capability in 1984, delays by Defense have forced this capability back 2 years to 1986. Should the AV-8B program proceed, these delays will add almost $1 billion to the total estimated cost.