GAO Report in PDF Format [3.1 Mb]
Ballistic Missile Defense: Records Indicate Deception Program Did Not
Affect 1984 Test Results (Chapter Report, 07/21/94, GAO/NSIAD-94-219).
In 1983, the Army tried to rig the first two of four tests of a
ballistic missile interceptor in order to deceive the Soviet Union and
influence arms control talks. GAO found no evidence that the Defense
Department (DOD) deceived Congress about the feasibility of Star Wars
technology when it reported that the fourth test in 1984 was successful.
Concerns have been raised in Congress that representations about the
test might have laid a faulty foundation for the $30-billion investment
in the Strategic Defense Initiative. Although the contingency deception
plan had been in place for the first two tests of the interceptor, it
did not affect their outcomes. Analyses of the fourth and final test
data are consistent with the Army's claim that the interceptor and its
target collided. Records also support the conclusion that the
interceptor was guided during its final maneuvers by its onboard
infrared sensor. However, steps were taken to make it easier for the
interceptor's sensor to find the target. The Pentagon did not disclose
this enhancement of the target's infrared visibility to increase the
probability of detection.
--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------
REPORTNUM: NSIAD-94-219
TITLE: Ballistic Missile Defense: Records Indicate Deception
Program Did Not Affect 1984 Test Results
DATE: 07/21/94
SUBJECT: Intercontinental ballistic missiles
Air defense systems
Defense capabilities
Testing
Comparative analysis
Defense contingency planning
International relations
Electronic equipment
Army procurement
IDENTIFIER: Army Homing Overlay Experiment
Strategic Defense Initiative Program
Minuteman Missile
SDI Exoatmospheric Reentry Vehicle Interceptor System
SDI
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