Air Defense: Comparison of Upgraded F-4D and F-16A Aircraft

摘要

The GAO has reviewed Air Force plans to transfer 270 F-16A fighter aircraft from the Tactical Air Force to the Strategic Air Defense (SAD) force. The aircraft's primary role would be to defend the United States against enemy bombers and cruise missiles. A study by the North Dakota Air National Guard questioned the performance capability of F-16As for the air defense mission. The study concluded that the modified F-4D would be a more effective and less costly alternative. Subsequent to the study, the Congress provided funding and directed that the Air Force determine the feasibility of upgrading the F-4D aircraft for the SAD mission as an interim alternative in the event a planned air defense aircraft competition was deferred. This competition has since been held. GAO was asked to determine the Air Force's plans and progress on the congressionally directed F-4D demonstration project, the capability of modified F-4Ds and F-16As to meet mission requirements, and the cost of the modified F-4D and F-16A alternatives.