AMC officials believe this modernization effort is important to address concerns regarding the aging aircraft and improve the aircraft’s reliability and maintainability. AMC currently estimates that C-5 aircraft can attain a 14.6 million ton miles per day airlift capability, which would represent almost one-half of the Air Force’s total military aircraft airlift capacity. A Readiness Evaluation Could Lead to Higher C-5 Mission Capability Rates

The C-5’s mission capability rates could increase if the Air Force were to conduct a readiness evaluation similar to the operational readiness assessment conducted for B-1B bomber aircraft. For example, both aircraft have had historically low mission capable rates and poor spare parts support. Air Force airlift officials have stated that improvements to the spares process would have little impact on C-5 mission capability. DOD has not been providing adequate funding to meet the original schedule for proposed C-5 improvements. Recommendations

We recommend that the Secretary of Defense direct the Secretary of the Air Force to (1) conduct a readiness evaluation to determine how C-5 peacetime mission capability can be improved and the costs of such improvements and (2) assess the impact of proposed aircraft modifications on C-5 mission capability and then reprioritize the proposals according to the results of the assessment. To maximize potential C-5 cargo deliveries, DOD should consider using C-5 aircraft in the more unconstrained scenarios.
Why GAO Did This Study

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the reliability and mission capability of C-5 aircraft and the Department of Defense's (DOD) plan for modifying C-5 aircraft.

What GAO Found

GAO found that: (1) DOD is relying on C-5 aircraft to deliver about half of the wartime cargo carried by military aircraft, but C-5 mission-capable rates have fallen short of the Air Force's goal and those of other aircraft, because of a lack of spare parts and the complexity and poor reliability of the C-5; (2) the Air Force could improve the C-5 mission capable rate by conducting a readiness evaluation similar to the one it completed for B-1B aircraft and by giving a higher priority to certain C-5 modernization initiatives; (3) the Air Force has not prioritized proposed C-5 modifications and decisionmakers have not fully assessed the impact that these proposed improvements would have on overall aircraft mission capability; and (4) if peacetime C-5 mission capable rates were raised to the Air Force's goal, DOD could better meet its airlift requirements.