Embedded Computers
Navy Not Ready to Buy Avionics Computers for Its LAMPS Mk I Helicopters Gao ID: IMTEC-90-54 May 31, 1990Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Navy's acquisition of avionics computers embedded in selected Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) antisubmarine warfare helicopters.
GAO found that: (1) the Navy plans to decide whether to buy upgraded avionics computer systems for $6.6 million, but has chosen not to operationally test the system before its June 1990 decision; (2) omitting operational testing increases the risk of system performance problems, but the Navy needs to use appropriated funds for fiscal years 1989 and 1990; (3) the planned system was significantly different from the already approved computer system; (4) developmental testing revealed significant software problems and raised concerns about whether the Navy should proceed before the problems were corrected; and (5) the Navy has not ensured compliance with development testing requirements for the systems because of its belief that the system is a minor modification of an existing computer system.
RecommendationsOur recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.
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