According to the just-released Directorate of Operational Test & Evaluation Fiscal 2008 annual report, the program schedule for the Air Force-led Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, following its restructuring, offers “moderate risk.” The report states, “Pressure to maintain the production schedule could reduce reliability improvements, not incorporate corrections as needed, and/or reduce planned adequate testing.” DOT&E acknowledges that USAF is screening previous system and test information to root out deficiencies affecting reliability and notes that the service had adopted an Office of the Secretary of Defense systems engineering plan and new test strategies. However, it points out that continued failures of sled tests indicate the service must further evaluate the electronic fuze. The report recommends that USAF continue to incorporate reliability and program management improvements where possible.
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.