Study of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) acquisition program as a model for defense acquisition of non-developmental items
Loading...
Authors
Rubinstein, Judith
Subjects
Commercial acquisition; LUH
Light Utility Helicopter
Light Utility Helicopter
Advisors
Yoder, E. Cory
Nalwasky, Richard
Date of Issue
2014-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The UH-72A Light UtilityHelicopter (LUH)was acquired for performance of general support tasks (training, medical evacuation, law enforcement, etc.) in permissive (non-combat) environments, to replace Vietnam-era helicopters, and to free up Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters for combat use. This acquisition program is the Army’s first major acquisition of commercially available helicopters subsequently modified for military use. Although initial testing and use indicated the need for unforeseen modifications to the helicopters, in most respects, this program was successful. The successes included expeditious acquisition and fielding, avoidance of excessive costs, and acquisition of helicopters that incorporated the latest available technology (developed at industry, not at government, expense). Additionally, the helicopters could be, and were, readily tailored for diverse uses. Also, they highly satisfied users’ requirements. Finally, all deliveries were on-time or ahead of schedule. These successes occurred largely because the UH-72A was a non-developmental item with mature technology at the time of acquisition. The time and expense that would otherwise have been needed for development and for ramp-up of production were avoided. Additional factors contributing to the success of the program were clear definition of the requirement, avoidance of scope creep, and close cooperation among all stakeholders.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.