Apache Helicopter: Tests Results for 30-Millimeter Weapon System Inconclusive: NSIAD-93-134

Pursuant to a congressional request GAO reviewed the Armys 1992 tests for the Apache helicopters area weapon system (AWS) focusing on whether testing procedures and conditions provided sufficient information to fully assess the systems endurance reliability and accuracy requirements. GAO found that: (1) although most AWS components have met endurance reliability and accuracy requirements the test plan has not allowed for sufficient assessment of key reliability requirements; (2) AWS test results may be inaccurate because favorable test conditions have allowed for a higher reliability measure; (3) the Army has planned to conduct additional maximum life endurance and reliability tests to reevaluate AWS components and the contractor has proposed design changes to those components that did not meet minimum life endurance and reliability requirements; (4) the Armys 1992 accuracy test is of limited value because the Army has reduced AWS performance criteria by lowering the accuracy requirements allowing the contractor to pay a $1-million penalty for each target point missed and limiting AWS assessment to only one of three Apache fuselage configurations; and (5) the Army has planned additional follow-up tests to validate the incorporation of the 1992 accuracy modifications into production aircraft.