Future Vertical Lift Aircraft – Army Should Implement Leading Practices to Mitigate Acquisition Risk

Aircrafts capable of vertical take-off and landing—primarily helicopters— support vital Army missions. The Army has been working for decades to develop new capabilities in this area. However, prior efforts were canceled due to cost increases, schedule delays, and performance shortfalls.

A House report included a provision for GAO to review the Army’s Future Vertical Lift portfolio. GAO’s report addresses planned acquisition approaches, the extent to which cost and schedule estimates align with leading practices, and the extent to which technical risk mitigation aligns with leading practices.