The US General Accounting Office (GAO) is urging the Department of Defense to delay low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the Alliant Techsystems Outrider unmanned air vehicle (UAV) until operational tests prove its effectiveness. The Congressional watchdog agency says that the US military should learn from past UAV efforts, such as the TRW Hunter, which was terminated after LRIP go-ahead was given. The Outrider has suffered technical problems which delayed initial flight testing. The Pentagon still plans to decide on LRIP of three to six extra Outrider systems.
Source: Flight International
