Accession Number:

AD1105583

Title:

B-2 BOMBER Initial Flight Tests

Descriptive Note:

Technical Report

Corporate Author:

GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON DC WASHINGTON DC United States

Personal Author(s):

• Kingsbury,Nancy R.
• Murphy,Robert D.
• Hazard,Michael J.
• Lea,Matthew

Report Date:

1990-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

Abstract:

The B-2 bomber is one of the most costly Department of Defense programs. Its high cost, unique design, and highly classified nature have made it the subject of considerable controversy. The fiscal year 1990 Defense Authorization Act requires the Department of Defense to accomplish certain flight tests before fiscal year 1990 B-2procurement funds are obligated. The act also requires GAO to review the Department of Defenses test reports and evaluation documents on theB-2 aircraft program and submit periodic reports to the Congress on the results of the review. Specifically, GAOS reports are to evaluate 1 the rigor, realism, and adequacy of the test and evaluation activities, 2whether testing complied with the full performance matrix, which compares planned test progress with program milestones, and 3 whether threat data as agreed with the U.S. intelligence community were fully used in the test process. This summary discusses GAOS evaluation of the initial series of flight tests, known as Block 1.

Descriptors:

• test and evaluation
• aircrafts
• altitude
• air force
• refueling in flight
• refueling
• procurement
• flight testing
• stealth technology
• bomber aircraft

Subject Categories:

• Military Aircraft Operations
• Bombers

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE