The Viability of Husbanding Service Providers in Major Theater Conflicts

Abstract

This project examines the upgrades to U.S. Navy F/A-18 and Air Force F-16 aircraft, both of which are Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). Timelines are examined to illustrate when the various platform upgrades were requested via the presidential budget. The types of upgrades are noted and reviewed to capture which upgrades were pursued on which airframes within each type/model/series of aircraft. As a result of this project, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics will have a foundation upon which further research may build to better discern whether there is an optimal interval between modifications. The intent of this project is not to determine whether the time-phased implementation of upgrades is feasible, but rather to identify similarities and capture any trends in various upgrades. The goal of this project is twofold: first, to provide a summary review of upgrades to U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft; and second, to investigate the opportunity for any follow-on studies of additional MDAP modifications/block upgrades.