B-2 Bomber

The cost to logistically support the B-2 depends on the reliability of its subsystems, components, and parts. Past reliability problems on other weapon systems suggest that the Air Force's estimates of logistics costs for the B-2 may be optimistic. Undefined maintenance processes for low observable technologies, increased emphasis on using the B-2 in a conventional role, and the continuing need to change the design of the aircraft and its components also indicate that the Air Force may have difficulty achieving its estimates of logistics costs for a 75-aircraft program. The Air Force has had problems synchronizing construction projects with changing aircraft delivery dates. Because the Air Force had little flexibility to adjust its approved military construction plans when program delays occurred, several construction projects at Whiteman Air Force Base were completed at least three to four years before required. The personnel system can be adjusted more quickly to revised aircraft delivery dates than can construction projects. Air Force planners made substantial changes to personnel assignments that precluded the premature assignment of personnel to Whiteman Air Force Base.

GAO found that: (1) the cost to logistically support the B-2 depends on the reliability of its subsystems, components, and parts; (2) the Air Force estimates for logistics cost for the B-2 may be optimistic; (3) the Air Force has had difficulty synchronizing construction projects due to changing delivery dates; and (4) since the Air Force had limited flexibility to adjust its approved military construction plans when delays occurred, it completed several construction plans 3 to 4 years before required.