Apache Helicopter

In a previous report (GAO/NSIAD-90-294, Sept. 28, 1990), GAO found that the fully-mission-capable rates for the Apache helicopter fell short of the Army's peacetime goal of 70 percent and decreased as Apache battalions accumulated flying hours. This report addresses the current status of the Army's efforts through August 1991 to improve the reliability of seven hardware components as well as to improve the Apache's maintenance capabilities. Although some progress has been made in resolving key problems, the improved components have not fully demonstrated their reliability. In addition, structural cracking in the tail boom has emerged as a potentially catastrophic problem as the aircraft accumulate flying hours, and the FM antenna reception problem has degraded the Apache's communication performance.

GAO found that: (1) Army efforts to improve the reliability of selected hardware components have been ongoing for several years; (2) although the Army has made some progress in resolving key problems, as of August 1991, the improved components had not fully demonstrated their reliability; (3) the Army initiated action to increase the size of Apache batallions and armed forces in Europe, and anticipates full implementation by fiscal year 1995; (4) the Army began to focus on improving the capabilities of Apache maintenance personnel by purchasing troubleshooting manuals, developing and procuring testing devices, retrofitting a central computer, and procuring a diagnostic maintenance aid; (5) two problems concerning the Apache's performance include structural cracking in the tail boom as the helicopter accumulates flying hours and poor FM antenna reception, which ultimately degrades the Apache's communications performance; and (6) despite the Army's efforts to increase its maintenance manpower and improve test equipment performance, the effectiveness of its efforts are not yet known.