Summary: This report discusses the Marine Corps' development of the 155 mm lightweight howitzer. Procured for use by the Marine Corps and the Army, the lightweight howitzer is intended to provide greater mobility and improved operational characteristics. A contract with a target price of $33.5 million was let in March 1997 for the development and manufacture of eight howitzers. The program is in the engineering and manufacturing development phase, and the Defense Department (DOD) plans to make a decision to go to full production in March 2002. This program has experienced contracting and manufacturing problems that have caused schedule delays that may not provide DOD with enough information with which to make an informed decision to begin full-rate production. Time may also be insufficient before the decision date to adequately validate production processes and management controls that are consider necessary to avoid unacceptable cost and schedule risks. In addition, cost growth in the development contract represents a significant part of the total $142.6 million development costs. Projected costs for producing the howitzer cannon barrels have more than doubled since the original 1996 cost estimate. Several design changes have been made to the lightweight howitzer; however, testing of the intended production configuration that incorporates these changes will not be possible until the third of eight development units is manufactured and delivered. The program office is adjusting its test plans to complete the testing needed to verify system performance and initial operational capabilities before the production decision.
