Evaluation of U.S. Air Force preacquisition technology development
By: Committee on Evaluation of U.S. Air Force Preacquisition Technology Development, Air Force Studies Board, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Research Council of the National Academies
Contributors: National Research Council (U.S.). Air Force Studies Board; National Academies Press (U.S.)
Publisher: National Academies Press
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Washington, D.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 136
ISBN-13: 9780309162753
Subjects: Aeronautics; United States. Air Force; Technology assessment; United States; Procurement; Technological innovations; History
Description: From the days of biplanes and open cockpits, the air forces of the United States have relied on the mastery of technology. From design to operation, a project can stretch to 20 years and more, with continuous increases in cost. Much of the delay and cost growth afflicting modern United States Air Force (USAF) programs is rooted in the incorporation of advanced technology into major systems acquisition. Leaders in the Air Force responsible for science and technology and acquisition are trying to determine the optimal way to utilize existing policies, processes, and resources to properly document and execute pre-program of record technology development efforts, including opportunities to facilitate the rapid acquisition of revolutionary capabilities and the more deliberate acquisition of evolutionary capabilities. This book responds to this need with an examination of the current state of Air Force technology development and the environment in which technology is acquired. The book considers best practices from both government and industry to distill appropriate recommendations that can be implemented within the USAF.--Publisher's description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.

Also available in Open Book format via the National Academies Press home page.
Table of contents: title: Preacquisition technology development for Air Force weapon systems; title: The current state of the Air Force's acquisition policies, processes, and workforce; title: Government and industry best practices; title: The recommended path forward.