The Royal Australian Navy intends to acquire 12 new submarines to replace its Collins-class vessels. RAND assessed the domestic engineering and design skills that Australian industry and government will need to design the new submarine, identified the skills they currently possess, and evaluated how to fill any gaps between the two.
A RAND study of previously successful submarine programs reveals that future programs must focus on stability, roles and responsibilities of the government and private organizations, and the need for experienced managers and a strategic view of the submarine force and industrial base.
Examines ways to improve the Army's system for the distribution of supplies to home station units via the scheduled truck service from the Strategic Distribution Platforms.
An examination of five submarine programs in the three countries—the UK's Astute program; the U.S. Navy's Ohio, Seawolf, and Virginia programs; and Australia's Collins program—identifies lessons that could help inform future program managers.
Through an examination of adversary capabilities in recent conflicts, the author explores whether heavy brigade combat teams are justified as a prominent component of the future U.S. Army.
Congressional concern with cost overruns in some major defense acquisition programs led to an investigation of root causes by examining program reviews, analyzing data, participating in contractor briefings, and holding meetings with stakeholders.
The policies and procedures established by the Department of Defense for program management and oversight can be tailored to meet the unique needs of ship acquisition programs without compromising oversight.
Some recent shipbuilding programs have had multiple shipyards construct major modules of each ship. Opting for a shared-build strategy makes it necessary to monitor and manage the program to ensure that it delivers all the required outcomes.
The Secretary of Defense's plans to shift Navy aircraft carrier acquisition to every five years should have little impact on force structure and the industrial base in the next decade—but after that, the force structure shrinks, as does the chance of meeting goals for the number of deployed aircraft carriers.
Produced status profiles of the Army's medium and heavy TWV fleets to show how many vehicles of each type the Army has and the years of useful life remaining for each group.
Congress requested a study to assess the challenges in fielding U.S. ground combat and tactical wheeled vehicle fleets, including discussion of requirements; capability gaps; technology, operational, and business risks; and recommended actions.
Congress requested a study to assess the challenges in fielding U.S. ground combat and tactical wheeled vehicle fleets, including discussion of requirements; capability gaps; technology, operational, and business risks; and recommended actions.
Presented at the Submarine Institute of Australia's 2010 Conference in Perth, Australia, this paper draws on RAND's international submarine experience to highlight policies that Australia may wish to consider in planning for its new submarine.
Washington would be wise to work closely with Britain and France to ensure that their budget cuts do not threaten how the allies will, together, address common threats and security challenges, write F. Stephen Larrabee and Peter A. Wilson.
