Let's look on the bright side, for a change. Yesterday, we counted the various weapon systems terminated within the last decade by the Department of Defense (DOD) and their costs, with the help of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA). Today, let's look at the programmes that contributed the majority of their sunk cost and achieved initial operational capability (IOC) within roughly the same timeframe. By stretching a little, I can think of six new aircraft meeting that criteria:
1. UH-72A
2. EA-18G
3. CH-47F/G
4. MC-12W
5. H-1 Upgrades
6. MQ-9 Predator
This list excludes programmes like the F-22 and MV-22, which had the majority of sunk costs before IOC in the previous decade. It also excludes programmes like the P-8A and E-2D that have not yet reached IOC, but appear to be in good shape.
What does this list have in common? Each is a new version or derivative of another model.
1. UH-72A
2. EA-18G
3. CH-47F/G
4. MC-12W
5. H-1 Upgrades
6. MQ-9 Predator
This list excludes programmes like the F-22 and MV-22, which had the majority of sunk costs before IOC in the previous decade. It also excludes programmes like the P-8A and E-2D that have not yet reached IOC, but appear to be in good shape.
What does this list have in common? Each is a new version or derivative of another model.
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