Accession Number:

ADA288634

Title:

Star Wars: A Case Study of Marginal Cost Analysis and Weapon System Technology,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

RAND CORP SANTA MONICA CA

Personal Author(s):

• Donohue, George L.

Report Date:

1994-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

54.0

Abstract:

Marginal-cost analysis can help decisionmakers formulate both de- fense strategy and technical investment strategy early in the devel- opment of a major weapon system. The purpose of this report is to provide a case study that illustrates this point. The case involves a marginal-cost analysis of system architectures for the Strategic Defense Initiative SDI. Although the application is now somewhat dated, the nature, results, and effects of the study illustrate how criti- cal such systems analysis is for comprehensive policy analysis in considering any weapon system for which there is a likely counter.

Descriptors:

• *COST ANALYSIS
• *CASE STUDIES
• *STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE
• *SPACE WARFARE
• REENTRY VEHICLES
• GUIDED MISSILES
• USSR
• DEPLOYMENT
• MILITARY STRATEGY
• UNITED STATES
• POLICIES
• STRATEGY
• DEFENSE SYSTEMS
• INVESTMENTS
• WEAPON SYSTEMS
• ATTACK
• MOUNTS
• SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
• ARCHITECTURE

Subject Categories:

• Economics and Cost Analysis
• Economics and Cost Analysis

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE